Collector Insights
Articles and guides on collecting, valuing and selling specialized antiques
The Hidden Fore Edge Painting: Artistic Secrets in Antique Books
Discover the beauty of antique fore-edge paintings, a rare and unique form of book art. Learn about its history, techniques, and book values.
What is the “Stranger Things” Grandfather Clock?
The echo of an antique grandfather clock is the theme of Netflix’ hit series “Stranger Things” season 4; we tracked down the clockmaker who designed its face.
Best Way to Effortlessly Auction Rare Books in Phoenix? Try Our Virtual Auction House
As a family-run small business, we love being able to help our community deal with items that they’re ready to sell for one reason or another. Our family has had experience in the local Phoenix antique business for over 40 years.
How to Consolidate a Book Collection: Spring Cleaning Tips
Some of the most common items discovered in home-bound treasure hunts tend to be books. Some may be valuable books, most probably are not.
Lost on Titanic: The Legendary Jeweled Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam
Somewhere, on the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean, lies one of the most desirable rare books in the world.
Antique Gambling Books & Card Cheating
Gambling has been part of America's history from the nation’s infancy, going all the way back to colonial times. Even...
Fine Bindings: Why These Beautiful Books Are More Than Just Covers
A common thread that runs through every category of antiquarian books is that of the fine bindings. Learn about the history of finely bound books including leather and vellum.
The #1 Reason Why Many Collectors Sell Their Books, and How to Sell Yours
It might make you laugh! The most common reason why many collectors decide to let go of their libraries and learn how to sell antique books efficiently.
Ed Marlo: Rare Handwritten Gambling Routine Manuscripts Archive
N / A
$8,000
Zelda Fitzgerald’s Gal-Pal Meets an 18th Century Dutch Atlas
What’s the connection between an antique atlas book, packed with hand-colored maps from the 1700s, and F. Scott Fitzgerald’s flapper wife? Find out!
Harry Houdini and One of the Largest Magic Libraries Ever Assembled
Explore Harry Houdini’s vast library of magic books, spiritualism and ephemera—and why collectors value such collections.
Tamerlane: The Most Valuable Edgar Allan Poe Book That Even He Thought Was Worthless
Just 50 copies of Poe’s “Tamerlane and Other Poems” were self-published by the author in 1827. Only 12 are known to exist today, one selling for over $600k.
How to Value Antique Books You Inherited: What Rare-Book Specialists Look For
How to value antique books by understanding the details specialists research before deciding what an inherited book is really worth.
In the Pages of Thomas Jefferson’s Library: America’s Distinguished Book Collector
Introduction Thomas Jefferson, the visionary American statesman and intellectual luminary, wasn't merely an architect...
Antique Cookbook Discovery: How a Kid Turned £1 into £50
I'll never forget my first antique book discovery. I was nine years old. It was at a car boot sale in London - a flea...
Yo, Rocky! Sylvester Stallone’s Collection of Rare Antique Boxing Books
Selling antique books can be really fun, especially when you love what you're doing like I do. In my business, I...
WWI Letters from an American Soldier on the Western Front
In 2015, Britannic Auctions sold a series of letters written by an American soldier stationed on the Western Front...
