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Dean Morris
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, November 11, 2002 - 05:39 pm: | 
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Hi, I am new to this board, but am hoping to get some information. I am trying to research a book for a friend. He has a 1901 copy of The House Behind The Cedars, by Charles W. Chestnutt. I believe this is the second edition. Sad to say, the condition is not good. The binding is loose, and the cover shows considerable shelf wear. the interesting thing about the book is the inscription. It reads Ida Rose Sirbold, 1902, Sincerely yours, Chas. W. Chestnutt. I am hoping someone can give me an idea of the value of this book. I know the condition hurts it, but I thought the signature might be worth something. Any information would be GREATLY appreciated. I will check this board to see if antone has any ideas, but if you would like, I can be emailed at mystraydog@aol.com. Thanks so much!
Dean Morris |
Thumper (Thumper)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, November 12, 2002 - 07:25 am: |
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Hello Dean,
I'm not an antique book buyer, so take what I'm about to say with a grain of salt, but it doesn't sound as if the book is as valuable as it could have been. Chestnutt's signature and the date he signed the book is a winner, along with the fact that the book is a first edition, but the book cover, the loose binding are negatives. And unless Ida Rose Sirbold was someone of historical significance, that decreases the vaule of the book. The book would have been worth more if Chestnutt signed and dated the book only with no personal inscription. Those are my thoughts on the subject, but I'm not a book or antique collector. If you want to determine the worth of the book, visit a couple of antique dealers and/or book collectors. If you can't locate any, check with your nearest library for some suggestions. And most importantly, ask the proper way of storing your book.
Let me know how it goes. |
Dean Morris
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, November 12, 2002 - 03:58 pm: |
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Hi Thumper, Thanks for the input. I didn't think it would realy be valuable, but know sometimes one man's trash is another's treasure. Since I posted the first message, I checked with an antique book dealer. He said pretty much what you told me about the condition and inscription. The good news, if restored, it could possibly be worth $400 to $900, the bad news it would probably cost between $200 and $400 to restore. Sound too deep for my pockets. Maybe I can find someone that is interested in it as is. THANKS AGAIN!!
Dean |
norwood
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, April 28, 2003 - 05:26 am: |
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Warning: Restoration of a book takes away from the 'true' value of a piece. The authentic or original piece along with it's wear is real. Keeping a piece in good condition is the real key not restoration.
I strongly advise that you not get appraisal value from the same source that you receive restoration costs. Get independent consults.
Keep hunting, you'll get through, it's been a century so what's the hurry. haha
Good luck. |
Cynique
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, April 28, 2003 - 12:00 pm: |
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To me, this book sounds like a treasure worth keeping rather than selling for a few hundred bucks. |
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