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Collector Tips - Condition Checklist

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Book & Dustjacket Condition - A Closer Look

 
Condition

Today's fast-paced online auctions offer a unique opportunity to acquire rare titles that are seldom found elsewhere. Typically, the sellers are not experienced book dealers, but rather just people with merchandise. As always, one must be careful when buying such sight-unseen items (even with scans). Remember, the value of a rare First Edition, First Printing varies greatly depending upon the condition of the book, and even more so the dustjacket. Just as we have the old real estate cliché, Location, Location, Location, you would be equally justified to remember a similar mantra for collectibles - Condition, Condition, Condition. So here are a few tips that may prove helpful in getting what you expect when bidding top dollar.

 

As a life-long collector, I make a concerted effort to help others in their quest for books, and I make every effort to provide the very best eBay listings possible. Having faced the same frustration as many others, I am well aware that you cannot use title page dates to determine editions or printing dates, because reprinters such as Grosset & Dunlap, A.L. Burt, and others re-used the printing plates.  As my feedback will attest to, collectors trust me to provide accurate listings and I make it a point to research every detail and make sure I indicate, whenever possible, the exact printing and condition of each book.  I also provide a website with photo galleries of all of my auctions. Photo Galleries

 

Dustjacket Condition

(1) Determine location & extent of any chips, tears, or creases.

(2) Determine if any chips or tears affect lettering, logo or artwork of dustjacket on front, rear or spine??

(3) Determine the extent of any fading and/or darkening, particularly to the front and spine of the dustjacket.
Note:  [When checking color fade, pay attention to the more photo-sensitive red and orange colors as they fade more rapidly.]

(4) Check for any indication of water/moisture stain/spotting or discoloring (check reverse/blind-side/verso too)??

(5) Check for any tape on jacket (particularly on reverse/blind side/verso)??

(6) Check if jacket been repaired, retouched or restored??

(7) Check for price-clipping (flap corners).

(8) Check if jacket is reproduction, recreation or laser copy.

 

 

Book Condition:  Binding & Cover Stock

(1) Check binding material -- is any of binding worn through or frayed?

(2) Check binding color -- is it strong & vibrant; sunned & faded or otherwise?

(3) Determine extent of any spotting/fading on binding? Is there any noticeable discoloration?

(4) Check condition of hinge -- is strong & tight?? If not, is hinge tender (just starting), loose or separated and is webbing showing through at hinge cracks??

(5) Check if spine is square or slanted/cocked?  Is stitching on binding separated/unraveling? Are both front and rear boards tight or loose?

(6) Is there any indication of water/moisture stain/spotting or discoloring (check reverse too)??

(7) Check cover and spine lettering -- is it rubbed, faded or flaking?

(8) Check binding corners -- are they bumped, bent or rubbed through cloth??

(9) Is there any tape or glue on book??

(10) Has book (cloth, boards, stitching) been repaired, reconditioned or restored.

 

 

Pages -- Paper Condition & Tone

Page Condition:

(1) Check that all pages are present (none missing)

(2) Check if any pages are loose or detached.

(3) Check for any page splits (vertical separation along spine seam).

(4) Check if any page are torn, bent, dog-eared, creased, discolored or written on??

(5) Check for any writing (pen or pencil), bookplates or labels.

 

Paper Condition:

(1) Check for foxing or mold spotting.

(2) Determine if pages are supple, stiffening, brittle or flaking.

 

Paper Toning: (5 color levels):
Bright White:  Modern books with heavy chemical processing & bleaching.

Creamy White: Pleasing color of many nice vintage books.

Yellowed: Minor paper aging due to variations in humidity & temperature.

Tanned:  Indicative of lower-grade, usually high acid paper pulp.

Browned:  Noticeably darkened pages showing declining effects of lower-grade, high acid paper pulp.

 

 

Illustrations

(1) Check that all illustrations are present (none missing)

(2) Check if any illustrations are loose, detached or missing completely.

(3) Check for any plate splits (vertical separation along spine seam).

(4) Check if any illustrations are torn, bent, dog-eared, creased, discolored or written on??

(5) Check how many illustrations are present including frontispiece, glossy internal plates and cover appliqués.  Many reprints reduced the quantity of plates.

(6) Check condition and toning as with paper.

 

 

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Last Revision June 08, 2010 10:42 PM