antique book values?

Question

I have 12 of these little leather covered books. They are about the size of a pack of ciggarettes. They are from The Little Leather Library - Redcroft edition, I believe from 1908. I've been to sites, and ebay, I just want to know if anyone has had any luck selling them...and for how much

Answer 1

Antique books are really only valuable if they are well-known first editions or special editions of a popular book. They must also be in good condition. The best place to look for people selling this kind of thing would be at http://www.abebooks.com/

You could also look at http://www.bookfinder.com/

You can also take them to get appraised by a reputable antique bookdealer (yes, there are some of those around, you just have to look for them). And if you're determined to sell them, ask around, see what prices they're actually selling at. People tend to overprice antique books.

Answer 2

Old books are usually only very collect able if they are first editions and in excellent condition. Old books are not really very valuable unless they are on a kind of list of desirable books like first editions of iconic or extremely popular authors like Stephen King, Shakespeare, Poe and the like. An original Bell Jar by Plath can command into the thousands but second editions and on don't usually get as much. People have to actually want them for them to get loads of money.

EBay is okay, but I have never seen a book actually make loads of money even if it was old. Collectors will however pay anything if they really want something. Find a used bookstore and ask if the proprietor will sell it for you on commission like in a consignment or antique shop. You will however have to pay for their space and services.

For a fee, you can also take them to your local auctionhouse and ask the business owner what they think and sell them by auction.

Answer 3

If you have already checked out rare and old booksellers, then your best bet is to try the websites of Sothbey's and Christie's auction houses.