January 18, 2020
I bought this lovely 1508 rather rare post incunable at the Brooklyn Antiquarian Book Fair for $300. It is a single volume from a 7 volume set – which normally is a fatal flaw in the antiquarian book world and something rare book dealers would not touch with a ten foot pole. Nevertheless, see why – after I studied the bookbinding – I value it at a considerably higher price.
posted in: Uncategorized
January 9, 2020
Recently I purchased this fascinating c. 1650 English manuscript on the famous Philosopher’s Stone. 17th century English alchemy manuscripts are rare in commerce and valuing them with few rare book auction comparables can be a challenge. Below I made a short video of how I, as an antiquarian book dealer, go about evaluating a unique text. Hope you enjoy this brief video with mentions of Crusades, Imprisonment in the Tower, and how to turn lead into gold – as well as a few pointers on how to value antique books.
posted in: Uncategorized
January 4, 2020
In this video, I will show you how I value an early 17th century copy of the famous Malleus Maleficarum or the “Hammer of Witches” I’ll mention a couple sites that dealers use to check the completeness of rare books and look up auction prices which can help provide comparable for rare book appraisals. Feel free to reach out if you would like me to value any of your rare books or manuscripts. You can text photos directly to 6464691851 or email them to webuyrarebooks@gmail.com.
posted in: NYC Rare Book Dealer, RARE BOOK APPRAISAL
December 31, 2019
While this blog is primarily devoted to evaluations and appraisals of rare books, I made this video below with tips on some places where one can go today to hunt for and find rare books to buy. If you are a new collector, or want to get into the antiquarian rare book business, take a look.
posted in: bookfairs, buying rare books, NYC Rare Book Dealer, RARE BOOK APPRAISAL
December 18, 2019
I adore antiphonals. They are often massive volumes of calf over boards, with metal bosses, with the music and chants handwritten on vellum. Although they are becoming less and less common in commerce – they are surprisingly inexpensive compared with other medieval and renaissance manuscripts when they do pop up at auction.
Many were purchased by tourists in Spain- especially post WWII and brought back to the Sates as objects of great curiosity. I had a couple enquiries recently regarding some that were inherited in separate families – and understandably the sellers thought they could be worth small fortune (some are if illuminated or have important provenance, or are especially early). I made the video below to showcase one in the gallery here and what it is worth as an example.
If you have one, reach out and I am always happy to evaluate you manuscript.
posted in: Appraisal Manuscript
