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Antique Book Appraisal

Do you have an old book that requires an antique book appraisal to determine its value?

Antique or rare books are treasures that can endure over centuries. Antique books written by a highly regarded author can have a hefty monetary value.

Since the invention of the printing press, books have grown from something that was sought after as a scholar to subject matter read by everyone. There are quite literally hundreds of thousands of books published each year worldwide.

The type of books that have been in existence since the first days of printing are those from private press productions. Content was always the most important aspect, with little regard to appearance. As time progressed, the private press books became an offering from the aristocrats. They wanted to make a more visual mark on society and introduced the artistic flare to the book covers.

In the 18th century, Reverend Charles H.O. Daniel in Oxford produced multiple books for his immediate family, and by word of mouth, he ended up mass-producing the books for others, making Daniel Press the grandfather of fine press.

Scarce and hard to find books can raise the value of your literary collection. Also, limited editions that will not be mass-produced can become great collectible items.

When you are ready to get your antique book appraisal, first take a look at the content of the book and the method of production. Watch for an autographed or signed copy, as well. Keep in mind as you look over your literature and you get ready for appraisal that prices may vary widely.

Factors to take under consideration for the final value of the antique or rate book are:

- Condition: The better shape your book is in, the more valuable it is
- Binding: The type will affect the cost.
- Origin: Where did it come from and who produced it?
- Date of publication, author, and edition number

The appraiser will take all of this to heart as he figures the price for your collection. He will study reference books as he locates asking and sales prices for your treasures.

Auction houses and bookstores employ appraisers and you can find scores of companies on the Internet to help you. Some have genre specialists on site and you will be told if you wish to get a fair market value that they will need to see the book(s) in person.

Costs to have an antique book appraisal done can be under $100. Some companies offer restoration. Here is a short list of worldwide antiquarians and appraisers that can help you (some also hold book fairs):

www.cdickens.com
www.ilab-lila.com
www.abaa.org
Abracadabra Booksearch International
BookSearch, Inc.
Exedra Booksearch

These sites also have many antiquarian booksellers that list their antique and rare books for sale:

www.abebooks.com
www.bookfinder.com
www.alibris.com

As you clean out your attic, attend an estate sale or visit a used book store, keep an eye out for antique books. Take your antique book for an appraisal and you may be surprised at what you have!


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