DO YOU DREAM OF TREASURE HUNTING? Collecting old antiquarian books can be exciting, fun and very, very profitable! However, just because a book is old doesn't necessarily mean it is VALUABLE. Here are a few hints to help you the next time you think you may have unearthed some hidden treasure:
RARITY ALWAYS COMES BEFORE AGE! You can find a book that seems to be a real treasure because it has an old copyright date, but rarity actually dictates a book's value. For instance, a book may have a copyright in the early 1900's and you think you've really found something but if it was a large printing your book may be worth very little. Conversely, you may find a book that was printed in the 1950's or 60's. Not that old, but if it was a very limited printing your book could be worth a LOT of money!
CONDITION... CONDITION... CONDITION! Make sure you understand all the terms relating to condition. Fraying to covers, heel & crown of spine, gilt, soiling, bumping to corners, foxing (brown spotting) to pages and page edges, etc. tell you a lot about your book's journey. Do your homework. Make sure you understand the terminology then get a through description of your books condition from the seller. If it's rare but falling apart... IT ISN'T TREASURE!
ONLY FIRST IS FIRST! There are some excellent guides out there to help the novice collector. Use them. Points of Issue Guides; Identification of First Editions; Publisher's identifying marks for REAL First Edition/First Printing; all of these can save you from making some costly mistakes. These little pocket guides are very inexpensive but can save you $$$$$... use them!
UP, UP & AWAY! The best thing about finding a really great Antiquarian Collectible book is that it will continue to increase in value! Once you establish the Rarity, Condition and that it is truly a "First" the good news is... they aren't printing anymore of them!
THERE'S REAL TREASURE IN THEM EBAY HILLS... HAPPY HUNTING!
Orignal From: What To Look For When Buying Rare Books
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