How does one value an autographed 1st edition? Is there an established "additional" value for the signature? Thanks for any help?
Fran
Value of Autograph
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Re: Value of Autograph
Speaking as a buyer, I'd probably go up to about $200 extra for a signature in the right book, but there are a few things to take into account. Some books are harder to find and therefore more desirable than others, for example, there seem to be a lot more signed firsts of 'Lisey's Story´' and 'Insomnia' (both of which had big signing tours) than there are of 'Hearts in Atlantis' or 'Everything's Eventual'. The other big thing for me is condition. If a books in less than Near Fine (i.e. almost perfect) condition, I'm gonna be a lot less tempted by the signature, especially if it's a relatively recent book.
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Re: Value of Autograph
I would also say to be very, very careful of buying a signed trade edition (as opposed to a signed limited). There are lots and lots of fakes out there.
There is a website (http://skfakes.proboards46.com/index.cgi) and also the people on another bulletin board (http://www.thedarktower.net/palaver) that are willing and able to help verify autographs. One of the best sellers on the web, Dave Hutcheson (http://www.marketworks.com/storefrontpr ... 0007&sid=1) will also gladly help.
John
There is a website (http://skfakes.proboards46.com/index.cgi) and also the people on another bulletin board (http://www.thedarktower.net/palaver) that are willing and able to help verify autographs. One of the best sellers on the web, Dave Hutcheson (http://www.marketworks.com/storefrontpr ... 0007&sid=1) will also gladly help.
John
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Re: Value of Autograph
For a more common 1st edition , in Fine/Fine condition, the signature can add $200-250 in value.
Of course you can always win one on ebay for a little cheaper.
The more rare signed 1st edition prices range from $300 to $3,000 and in a few cases, much more. It depends on the title, condition, and when it was signed. Early signature tend to command more.
As always, do your research. Although ebay may be a good source for winning good books, it takes some caution. Some ebay sellers also price their items out of the ball-park, making it even more difficult to analyze value.
If you don't have time to research to find your book at the best possible price, buy from a trusted and reputable seller that you feel comfortable with. Such a bookseller will maintain their good reputation by offering only legitimate and authentic items.
Of course you can always win one on ebay for a little cheaper.
The more rare signed 1st edition prices range from $300 to $3,000 and in a few cases, much more. It depends on the title, condition, and when it was signed. Early signature tend to command more.
As always, do your research. Although ebay may be a good source for winning good books, it takes some caution. Some ebay sellers also price their items out of the ball-park, making it even more difficult to analyze value.
If you don't have time to research to find your book at the best possible price, buy from a trusted and reputable seller that you feel comfortable with. Such a bookseller will maintain their good reputation by offering only legitimate and authentic items.
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Re: Value of Autograph
What do you all think about inscriptions? I would think these would de-value the book somewhat (as opposed to a flat signature). As a collector, I would have no interest in buying a book inscribed to Jim or Joe or to someone else - yet there does seem to be a market for such things, which I really don't understand.
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Re: Value of Autograph
Thank you all for these wonderful tips. I certainly appreciate all your help. My simply signed copy was originally purchased from a very reputable dealer, but I will check the sites you all mentioned anyway. Fran
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Re: Value of Autograph
Authenticity. The longer an inscription, the harder the forgery.Tober138 wrote:What do you all think about inscriptions? I would think these would de-value the book somewhat (as opposed to a flat signature). As a collector, I would have no interest in buying a book inscribed to Jim or Joe or to someone else - yet there does seem to be a market for such things, which I really don't understand.
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Re: Value of Autograph
Fair enough...I guess the question is - would you (or any of the collectors out here) want a book on your shelf that was made out to someone else at the time that it was signed?e_taylor wrote:Authenticity. The longer an inscription, the harder the forgery.Tober138 wrote:What do you all think about inscriptions? I would think these would de-value the book somewhat (as opposed to a flat signature). As a collector, I would have no interest in buying a book inscribed to Jim or Joe or to someone else - yet there does seem to be a market for such things, which I really don't understand.
Maybe its just a personal thing with me, but, my name is Stephen, why the heck would I want to have a book signed by SK (or any author) that starts out with: "To Jane..."
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Re: Value of Autograph
For me, it would depend on the book and what was written. If it was an older book with a neat inscription like a copy of The Stand that says "M-O-O-N that spells Nebraska!" I'd take it. SK used to have all sorts of nifty inscriptions early in his career.I guess the question is - would you (or any of the collectors out here) want a book on your shelf that was made out to someone else at the time that it was signed?
In general though, I'd prefer flatsigned if I was certain it was authentic.
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Re: Value of Autograph
Would anyone have an estimate of how much additional value a Phil Hale signature would have on The Drawing of the Three, First Edition?