RZM Fine Arts and Antiques Inc: Ask the Appraiser

I really enjoy your column each week and find it a pleasant change from all the drama of the regular news. Most informing too. My question, if I may, do old books have any value? My uncle was close friends with Ernest Hemingway. Yes, I even have pictures of them together. He would visit with him when Hemingway lived in Key West, Florida. As can be seen, Hemingway autographed this book to my uncle sometime in the 1950s. Several years ago, when my father passed away, I did have an antique dealer look at this book. The dealer indicated the book was a first edition printing and quite rare. Could you inform me if this is true? If so, are you perhaps able to inform me of the value? It is difficult to find people who are knowledgeable about books, it seems. I’ve tried several people, and they were unable to give me any value. I’m hoping you can help.

Laura

I’m sorry you have had difficulty in establishing a current value for your book. That is the reason I write this column. To enlighten our readers about the items they possess and their correct value. Knowledge is power. Okay, the first detail I want to bring to your attention is the “Antique Dealer” that told you this book is a first edition is incorrect. It is not a first edition, nor a first printing. How do I know this fact? A true first edition of this particular book would have a capital letter “A” on the copyright page. Yours obviously does not. I do see that the original dust jacket is present, and the actual book has remained in very good condition. Spine is tight, all pages appear crisp and clean. My experience with book collectors is that they are very fussy relative to condition. Please remember, where dealing with paper. The dust jacket does exhibit some of the expected typical wear, which does detract from the overall value. However, all is not lost. The saving grace of your book is the handwritten dedication and autograph signature of one of the twentieth century’s greatest American novelists Ernest Hemingway (1899 – 1961). His very desirable autograph changes everything! In addition, the autograph is strong, no fading or damage. A monetary plus. If your book did not have this autograph dedication, it would have a value of $30.00 USD. Since your book has this wonderful, autographed dedication on the flyleaf page, it is my pleasure to deliver some good news to you. Your book, “FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS” with the handwritten dedication and autographed signature of Ernest Hemingway, has a current value of $3,000.00 USD. Any bibliophile (a person who collects books) would want this book in their collection. Not to mention it is a wonderful story to read.