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Finding the Value of Old Encyclopedia Sets

June 5, 2020

I have the Student's Encyclopedia with atlas. It is a 6 volume set published by Estes & Lauriat 1883. Does anyone have an idea how much this set is worth in fair to good condition?


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Answers


Bronze Post Medal for All Time! 140 Posts
June 5, 20200 found this helpful
Best Answer

These books are collectable because they are over 100 years old. Often encyclopedias come up for sale, but are not offered much because they are under 100 years. This set can start at $20 per book and ranging up into the $100's -www.ebay.com/.../bn_55472753

 

Bronze Feedback Medal for All Time! 196 Feedbacks
June 6, 20200 found this helpful
Best Answer

Can you please share photos of the set, along with photos of the cover of one, the spine, the edges of the sides, and the inside page of one of them which shows all of the publishing info and details.

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It is almost impossible to give a value without seeing exactly what you have.

Can you also please elaborate on the condition: are the pages all intact? Is there any cracking in the spine or covers? Are the pages tanned/yellowed/brittle? Are there any ripped or missing pages? Any ink/pencil/dirt marks/stains or water damage? Are there any smells (even if it is just the old paper smell)? Condition is VERY subjective and buyers are looking for very specific details that help determine condition. Your fair may be my poor and your good may be my excellent. It is just hard to use words like that especially about old books.

Unfortunately age has very little do with value as there are old books that are worthless and newer items that have huge value. It is all about what people collect and want, if there are many on the market or few, and most importantly about condition.

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Hopefully with more info, I can point you to some sold items so we can figure out an average value in today's crazy marketplace!

Thanks!!

 

Bronze Post Medal for All Time! 105 Posts
June 7, 20200 found this helpful
Best Answer

If the books are actually the age you are saying they are then it is advisable to go to an antique book shop to sell the books. Auction houses are also a good way to sell them because collectors are interested in buying them. I would not just take a price from online and try to sell them yourself. As long as they are in good condition allow a professional to examine them and help you sell them.

 

Bronze Feedback Medal for All Time! 196 Feedbacks
June 14, 20200 found this helpful
Best Answer

By apology for the belated response. These are really neat and look to be in good shape.

I have done a lot of digging and I am surprised there is not more about this set, which has me intrigued.

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I did find this article which looks like it has some info about the original values:
books.google.com/books?id=sks-AQAAMAAJ&pg=RA22-PP11...

Because of the unusual nature of this find, I have a suggestion based on what I (as a long time book seller and general reseller) would do to learn more.

There are a number of book stores in Boston, where these were published that may be able to guide you to find market value or if there is perhaps any value in donating these to a place where they could be displayed. There may be some historical significance in this set.

I am offering two places in Boston which may or may not be able to help, but are where I would start:

www.brattlebookshop.com/ t


www.ravencambridge.com/

Brattle is open (or at least it appears to be). Raven appears to be still closed, although you could try an email inquiry.

Please post back what you learn. These are fascinating pieces!

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I will tell you one thing if there is not a value for them as books, there are a number of junk journal artists who would love to have a set like this to cut up and use and scan for their journals. Because of the age of the books, it is most likely out of the realm of copyright (which they would need to confirm with their lawyer of course) and if it is, they could freely use images and illustrations in their pieces.

Looking forward to hearing what an expert tells you! Thanks for sharing!

 
Answer this Question

February 24, 2017

Older encyclopedias are typically not worth much. On-line research for your specific set might help to determine value. This is a page about finding the value of New Standard Encyclopedias.

Set of encyclopedias

February 23, 2017

Although vintage or newer encyclopedias generally do not have much value, an antique set may. Research would be needed to see if your set is rare, a first edition, or has other value based on age or specific content.

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This is a page about value of New Popular encyclopedia 1902.

book case with books

February 26, 2017

This is a page about finding the value of Collier's encyclopedias. Some old books may be rare and have great value. Others may be more difficult to place value on, but may have other uses.

Collier's Encyclopedias

March 28, 2017

Most Encyclopaedias are not worth much as they were mass produced and distributed. However, if you have a particularly old or rare set on Encyclopaedias, they may have some value for a collector. This is a page about value of the New Educator Encyclopaedia 1948.

cover page and opposing page with photo

February 22, 2017

Many homes had these reference books because they were readily available at the supermarket in the 1950s. Although dated, encyclopedias can sometimes be sold in niche markets to crafters and some collectors. This is a page about finding the value of Funk and Wagnalls encyclopedias.

Volumes of encyclopedias.

April 4, 2019

When an encyclopedia is in good condition and over 100 years old, it should have some value. A book dealer could help determine its worth. This is a page about finding the value of Appleton encyclopedias.

Value of Appleton Universal Cyclopaedia

March 14, 2019

These encyclopedias were originally published in the early 20th century by the John C. Winston company. In 1912 it was expanded to include more volumes and loose leaf updates were provided. This is a page about finding the value of Winston encyclopedias.

A collection of encyclopedias with the page side showing.

December 5, 2018

Old encyclopedias often have very little monetary value unless they are quite old and appeal to the occasional collector. There may be other uses that they can be put to such as crafts or as reading books for home schooled children. This is a page about finding the value of a Waverley encyclopedia set.

stack of books

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