Sell Rare Books: Auction Consignment Service
Sell Antique Books & First EditionsRare books are our online auction specialty along with modern first editions, fine bindings and collectible books.
SELL RARE BOOKS OR COLLECTIONS
Books We Consign & Sell
Rare Book Libraries / Collections
Our auction consignment service is especially helpful for bibliophiles interested in consolidating or liquidating rare book collections.
If you are not an antiquarian book collector, please note that antique books ARE NOT old or used books. 90% of older, vintage or used books are not of any value or collectability, so please only contact us if you feel you have a book of special note or value.
Antiquarian Books
Sell antiquarian books (pre 19th century) at one of our rare book auctions. Special interest in illustrated works, important historical works, and natural history.
Modern First Editions
A first edition book should be an important copy of a well-noted author in good to very good condition with matching dust jacket (where applicable).
Antique Bibles
We consign rare antique Bibles with a preference for Bibles dated 1800 or earlier.
We do not buy or consign ANY Bible that is dated after 1880; a majority of older Bibles have next to no value. You may find this article on evaluating antique Bibles helpful.
Fine Bindings
Sell finely bound books including full leather, Cosway style, embroidered, clasped volumes, Easton Press and the like.
Rare / Antique Books Auction Results
Prices achieved at our past online auctions
18th Century Miniature Ethiopian Coptic Bible Handwritten on Vellum
$75 – $100
$682
1865-1870 Harpers Weekly: Civil War, President Lincoln’s Funeral, The First Vote
$800 – $1,000
$1,736
1st Edition Ulysses S. Grant Personal Memoirs of U.S. Grant, 2 Volumes, Letter Folding, FINE
$150 – $200
$500
1892 1st Edition “On The Plantation: A Story of a Georgia Boy’s Adventures During the War” Joel Chandler Harris
$125 – $150
$500
Andy Warhol Twice Signed with Drawing, “POPism: The Warhol 60s”
$400 – $500
$553
Carl Werner’s “Nile Sketches”, Beautiful Folio & Plates, 1875
$800 – $1,000
$1,476
William Cullen Bryant “Picturesque America” Handsome Folios, 1872-74
$300 – $400
$676
Pictures and Royal Portraits of English & Scottish History, Fine Bindings, 1886
$300 – $400
$861
“The Works of William Shakespeare” with Split Double Fore-Edge Paintings, c1870
$600 – $800
$2,214
Geneva “Breeches” Bible, Christopher Barker Black Letter, 1582
$800 – $1,200
$1,800
“The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn”, 1884 First Edition, Early Issue
N / A
$1,792
1899 Writings of Mark Twain Author’s Edition Set, Signed Samuel Clemens (Sold for $4,161)
N / A
$4,161
Roald Dahl Signed “Danny: The Champion of the World”, 1976
N / A
$331
Walt Whitman Signed “Leaves of Grass” Presentation Copy, 1872
N/A
$3,400
John F. Kennedy Signed & Inscribed “Profiles in Courage”, 1957
N / A
$3,300
“Trois Dialogues de l’Exercice de Savter”, Archange Tuccaro, 1599
N / A
$5,000
The New Testament in Shorthand, Jeremiah Rich Miniature Bible c1660
N / A
$3,506
Arthur Rackham Signed Personal Copy “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, 1895
N / A
$550
Tips from a Rare Book Dealer
Quick Guide to Selling Rare Books
What makes a book rare?
In a nutshell: Supply, demand, and condition.
Keep in mind that a book can be very rare and not be valuable in the least. Most old books are actually worth little to nothing.
Some basic factors that can affect the desirability of a book:
- First edition, first printing
- Original dust jacket
- Noted or influential author
- Signed by the author
- Published in a limited edition
- A work of historical / social significance
- Exquisite / unusual binding
- Owned by someone famous
- Very fine condition
Does scarcity determine value?
Scarcity doesn’t always equate to desirability – this is an important distinction.
Just because a book – even an antique book – is scarce, doesn’t automatically mean it is valuable. If there is demand for that book, and it is scarce – then the value becomes higher.
Are all antique books valuable?
It comes as a surprise to many people that a vast majority of books published from the early 1800’s up to around 1920 (technically considered “antique books” in this age range), are worth little to nothing.
During that period, mass publication exploded all over the world, thus leaving behind many, many copies of books from that age.
True antiquarian books are generally considered books that were published in the 19th century and earlier.
Antiquarian books tend to have more collectibility due to the fact that they aren’t commonplace, however, there are many books from the 18th century that are relatively inexpensive, despite their age.
How to value antique books?
When researching the value of a collectible or rare book online, it’s important to take the prices available on bookselling websites with a grain of salt.
The prices listed online are (almost) always the seller’s asking price, which can range from on-point to ridiculous.
Researching historical auction records is one of the best ways to discover the auction value of a rare or collectible book.
It’s also critical to compare your book to a sold book that is in the same condition as your copy, as condition plays a major role in value.
How important is condition?
The physical condition of a book is a major factor in its value. The most desirable copy of a book is typically which is as close as possible to its original condition upon publication.
Why sell rare books at auction?
Online rare book auctions expose your item to bidders worldwide with a specific interest in rare books.
A professional auction house will also be able to market a collectible book to appropriate buyers to help achieve a fitting price on the open market.
Need help selling a rare book?
If you happen to have a collection of rare books there’s no harm in doing some research yourself if you follow of the tips we have provided.
Just remember that at the end of the day, like any specialized subject, it takes years of experience to really be able to evaluate a rare book.
Taking your books to a rare book dealer to get a professional opinion is always the best thing to do. We offer free evaluations to help you make an educated decision on what next steps to take regarding your rare or collectible book or collection.