Category: Uncategorized

December 9, 2023

Wanted: Old and Rare Manuscripts

Top Prices Paid for Rare Manuscripts and Handwritten Journals by an ABAA Rare Book Dealer

As an ABAA rare book dealer, I am actively seeking to buy old manuscripts, handwritten journals, and unique sketchbooks, especially illuminated manuscripts and historical manuscripts If you have diaries, text manuscripts, or artistic sketchbooks, I am interested in purchasing these items at highly competitive prices, and often at prices higher than could be obtained at rare book auctions.

Determining the value of an old manuscript involves a detailed process. I consider various factors such as the manuscript’s age, historical significance, rarity, condition, and any unique attributes it may possess. The provenance or history of ownership can also play a crucial role in its valuation. My expertise as an ABAA rare book dealer allows me to assess these aspects accurately, ensuring a fair and informed evaluation of your items. I am a very transparent dealer and always happy to explain my thoughts behind a valuation.

I adhere to the highest standards of professionalism as an ABAA member, ensuring a smooth and ethical transaction process. If you have rare manuscripts or journals that you are looking to sell, I offer free evaluations to determine their market value. This service provides you with an informed basis for any potential sale.

If you’re interested in selling your items, please send photos to WeBuyRareBooks@gmail.com or text 646-469-1851 for a prompt evaluation. I am committed to offering top prices for items. This is a straightforward opportunity to sell your rare manuscripts and journals to a knowledgeable and serious dealer

Here is a detail from a 1920’s occult manuscript I am in love with and currently cataloging for our upcoming ABAA April NY Book Fair

posted in: Uncategorized

September 4, 2023

Is My Book Valuable?

Is Your Book Worth Anything? A Simple Guide to Rare Book Valuation

JUST SEND PHOTOS TO : webuyrarebooks@gmail.com or text 646-469-1851

Wondering if your book holds any value? You’re not alone. Many people reach out to us with the same question. This simplified guide aims to help you understand the factors that contribute to a book’s value.

Key Factors in Book Valuation

When assessing the value of a book, consider three main aspects:

  1. Rarity
  2. Condition
  3. Demand

A valuable book generally excels in all three categories. If even one element is missing, the book’s worth may decrease significantly.

Rarity: Age, Scarcity, Special Features

  • Age: Contrary to popular belief, age isn’t always a reliable indicator of a book’s worth.
  • Scarcity: A book’s rarity doesn’t necessarily make it valuable. Some books are rare simply because they were not widely printed, often due to a lack of public interest.
  • Special Features: Books signed by the author or a famous person, limited editions, and books with high-quality leather bindings or hand-colored illustrations are more likely to be valuable.

Condition Matters

  • The condition of a book can dramatically influence its value. For example, a tear in a rare book’s dust jacket could reduce its worth by thousands of dollars.
  • Dust jackets, especially on books published after 1910, are often critical to a book’s value. A missing or damaged dust jacket can decrease a book’s worth by up to 90%.

Demand: The Final Element

  • A book must be in demand to be valuable. Specialists in rare books often use various resources, including auction records and bibliographies, to assess demand.
  • A book’s significance in culture or science can also add to its demand. For instance, Charles Darwin’s “On the Origin of Species” has enduring value due to its scientific importance.

Online Valuations vs. Real-World Prices

While online listings may indicate high prices, remember that these are often just asking prices. Our valuations are based on realistic assessments of a book’s rarity, condition, and demand, along with its expected selling price and timeframe.

Feel free to contact us if you’re interested in selling your book or entire collection. We make all offers in good faith, relying on our expertise and resources to give you the most accurate valuation. JUST SEND PHOTOS TO : webuyrarebooks@gmail.com or text 646-469-1851

So, before you spend hours cataloging your books, use this guide as a preliminary step to gauge their value.

posted in: Uncategorized

June 6, 2023

Repairing Old Books

Whether to repair or restore a rare book is a question I often think about as rare book dealer. I thought I would share some of my thought process on the subject.

posted in: Uncategorized

October 10, 2022

How to find a medieval manuscript treasure

I will discuss in this video the subject of binder’s waste and how you can identify, date, and localize medieval manuscripts found in bookbindings. There are many treasures out there waiting to be discovered. If you have any medieval manuscripts or fragments, feel free to reach out.

posted in: medieval manuscript, Uncategorized