Antique Books

Value of Antique Books

In terms of monetary value, antique volumes considered to be the most valuable are ones that have the unique combination of distinguishing physical characteristics, historically significant content, are relatively rare and in excellent condition. To an antique lover, however, value is not often measured in terms of the price a particular item might fetch. Regardless of how you interpret value as it applies to vintage books, building a collection can truly be a labor of love.

Books as Investments

Some who are interested in collectible books value them not so much for their literary significance and aesthetic appeal, but more so for their investment value. There are individuals who seek out antique books for their resale value, much the same as many art speculators.

Some of the most valuable antique tomes have been known to fetch stunning sums at collectors’ auctions.

For example:

• One of the two volumes of the Gutenberg Bible, for example, sold at a 1987 Christie’s auction for more than $5 million.
• An original four volume set of The Birds of America by John James Audubon sold at a Christie’s auction in 1992 for more than $4 million.

If you’re interested in learning more about books that are selling for high dollar at auction, sign up for a free membership to Americana Exchange. New members receive a link to an article that includes a list of the 500 most expensive books sold at auction during 2006.

Characteristics that Increase Vintage Book Value

• First editions of important literary or historical works
• Initial reports of scientific discoveries or inventions
• Illustrated books by an esteemed artist
• Volumes that were at one time censored throughout history
• Books bound with a special technique
• Autographs, inscriptions or annotations by a historical figure

Finding Volumes for Your Collection

While it would be wonderful to discover a volume that could fetch millions of dollars in an auction, finding beautiful and meaningful antique books to add to your own personal collection can also be a very rewarding experience. There are a number of ways that collectors of vintage books can find antique books in need of a good home.

Online Bookseller Database Services

• The Collectible Books.html Biblio book search and marketplace is an online resource for finding antique printed materials of all types. Biblio represents a number of booksellers specializing in the antique book market, and literally offers access to millions of volumes for collectors to choose among.

• AntiqBook is another resource representing hundreds of booksellers around the world, with a particular emphasis on European antiquarian booksellers. Collectors can search more than five million titles via the AntiqBook database, and then order their selections directly from the booksellers themselves.

Auctions

Serious collectors often find auctions to be the best resources for finding coveted titles. See the Americana Exchange Auction Database for a comprehensive directory of auction houses and a list of upcoming auctions expected to include collectible books.

Book Fairs and Events

The Antiquarian Bookseller’s Association of America sponsors several book fairs and events in major cities around the U.S. each year. Check the organization’s book fair schedule for a complete listing of upcoming events.

Local Antique Shops and Dealers

You might be pleasantly surprised to find a local resource that either has a good selection of books, or who can advise you about the best place to look. When you are interested in collecting a particular item, it is a good idea to get to know the proprietor of your local antique mall or shop. He or she can be a wealth of information regarding the best places to look for the types of books that you want to add to your collection.

Taking Care of Your Vintage Books

There are a number of steps that collectors should follow to properly care for their finds. Antique books should be stored in a cool, dry place that doesn’t experience great fluctuations in temperature or humidity. For example, basements, attics, and garages are not good location to store your volumes.

Don’t try to protect, store or repair them with common household items. Such efforts can actually damage the delicate documents. For more information about the proper storage of your treasured books, see the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works guidelines for proper care and storage.

Things to Avoid to Preserve Your Collection

• Direct sunlight
• Wrapping in newspaper
• Wrapping in plastic wrap
• Storing in cardboard boxes
• Repairing pages with adhesive tape

Expand Your Horizons and Your Collection

When you are ready to start or expand your antique book collection, the Antiquarian Booksellers Association of America is a must-see resource. The organization’s Collector’s Corner has a wealth of free information and assistance for those interested in book collecting.