Antiques -> Books and Manuscripts -> American
If you are interested in finding a collectible that has a true story to tell, antique books are the ideal choice. These offer the ability to collect something that has value, not only in the actual worth of the item, but in the knowledge that is contained within its pages. Antique books are very popular and it is not terribly difficult to find some truly remarkable ones at sale. Here’s a quick guide to help you find the perfect antique books.
1. Pick your author or subject
One of the easiest ways to start looking for antique books is to find an author that you admire, or one that is very popular. For example, many are in the market for original Jane Austen volumes, while others prefer to find vintage F. Scott Fitzgerald. If you don’t have a particular author in mind, you can start collecting antique books by subject. There are many different ways that you can build up a great collection, but it does help to have at least some idea of what you are interested in before you start.
2. Considering the condition
Once you know what kind of antique books you want to collect, it’s a good idea to learn about how to tell what kind of condition they are in. The most valuable books are the ones that are in pristine shape. One of the major problems facing collectors of antique books is mold, mildew and spine rot. This can greatly impact the overall value of a book, as well as making them undesirable for display or even to have in your home. Always do the “smell test” when buying old books to see if they are overly musty or mildewed. This is perhaps the easiest way to gauge the actual condition of a volume.
3. Look for first editions
While some authors bring in a good price regardless of the edition, the most valuable volumes are going to the best the ones that are first editions. You can find this information in the copyright section of a book. The ideal combination is to find a first edition antique book that was actually signed by the author. These are rare, but they are incredibly valuable if you can come across one.
4. Know where to shop
In order to get the best deals on antique books, you have to know where to shop. In some cases, you can come across a rare find in a second hand or used book store. Frequent these stores often and keep an eye out for a potentially valuable item. You can also find antique books at auctions or in special stores. However, one of the best places to find antique books is online, where you can have access to collections from around the entire world.
Collecting antique books is fun, but remember to keep them in good condition when you do get them. Sealing them off from air and dust is the best way to keep them pristine.
Photo Credits: Muffet
Originally posted 2008-09-25 05:10:17. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
Related Posts -
Antique Doors Antiques -> Architectural and Garden -> Doors Antique doors have much to offer the private collector and many of these, depending on the materials used, and the designer may actually be worth quite a lot of money. Whether you are looking for a collectible that you can put to good...... -
How is Antique Pricing Figured? There are a variety of different ways that you can collect antiques, and one of the most important considerations in the antique collecting arena is antique pricing. Understanding how antique pricing is figured out is an important part of collecting antiques because it will influence how you purchase antiques and...... -
Antique Lamps Antiques -> Decorative Arts -> Lamps There is a huge market right now for collectible antique lamps and these functional decorative collectibles can brighten any home. If you’re looking for a collectible that is not only beautiful but also functional, antique lamps are the perfect answer. There are literally hundreds...... -
Buying and Selling Collectible Antiques If you have ever watched a television show like Antiques Road show, where people find out that their family heirlooms or garage sale finds are really worth a fortune, then you probably have a secret hope that you may have some valuable collectible antiques in your possession as well. It...... -
Using the Internet for Antique Appraisals Do you know how to use the internet for the purpose of obtaining antique appraisals? There is no reason why you cannot make good use of the internet in order to determine the value of your collectibles and your antiques. Keep reading. So, do you think that you may have......
Related Websites -
Morgan Silver Dollar Coin Collecting -> US Coins -> Dollar Coins -> Morgan (1878-1921): 1878-1921, 1885-93, 1894-98, 1899-1904, 1921 The Morgan Silver Dollar is considered by many to be one of the most valuable US coins that you can collect. It’s history ranges from 1878 to 1904, and during its run, it was...... -
NSFW: Free as in “my publisher will disown me after I pirate my book on TechCrunch” “So that’s your advice is it? As my agent? On the week my book comes out in paperback, I should produce my own pirated version and give it away free? Why don’t I just punch my publisher in the face? That would be less work.” My agent rocked back in...... -
Surveying Equipment Collectibles -> Science-Medical -> Surveying Equipment While many people collect cat figurines, dolls, books, sports memorabilia and almost anything you can think of, fewer people collect things like surveying equipment, medical instruments, mining tools and things of that nature. But those who do collect them are enthusiastic about their hobby,...... -
The Pritikin Weight Loss Breakthrough by Nathan Pritikin When Nathan Pritikin found out that he had heart disease, back in the 1950’s, most dietary concepts were pretty basic. He was one of the first to try out a low fat, high fiber diet to improve heart health and his results were pretty amazing. Fast forward to today and...... -
How to Survive a Forest Fire /caption] You might have heard the old catchphrase "Only you can prevent forest fires." But what if you actually find yourself in one? Granted, for many people this is a longshot, but if you plan on going out and camping in the woods, it might not be a bad idea......
