Approximate value of original printed volume of Duke of Wellington's field notes from peninsular war. Handed down through family of a member of his staff
Hello - You mention that this is printed. Can you give me the full title, publisher, location of publication and any date you see on the book, as well as condition. I see a few options on the rare book market and would like to narrow this volume. Dori
The volume is printed from the Dukes hand writtrn notes. pages are all there, binding is gone. Notes are pre Waterloo. top pages are in delicate condition but very legible. This is the real deal. Presented by wellington to each member of his staff. can be compared to other copies if they exist. Passed down through family from member of his staff. letter to staff is missing since 1930.
Volume compiled by Lieutenant Colonel Gurwood
Printed by John Murrey, Albermarle Street , London 1815
These are very unusual, as you well know. There are Duke of Wellington collectors who would very much like to see this volume.
He did print and publish quite a bit from 1815-1820 from notes to other principles of war but seeing that this was passed down in the family and has provenance the value changes a bit. I am seeing quite a few variations out in the repositories around the world but not anything that looks exact to the printer and compiler of this date. It seems Gurwood compiled a few things related in the 1832 period.
This would seem to have a value in the range of 1000-1500.00 looking at the market as a whole for the items produced by the Duke of Wellington but I would like to also direct you to a rare book expert for additional details.
One of the best is in New York, Bauman Rare Books.http://www.baumanrarebooks.com/ However I like to also send inquiries to Ed Hoffman at Hoffman's Book Shop as he is also an old veteran of the field who I regard highly. His site is http://www.hoffmansbookshop.com/
Lastly Cowans Auctions deals in books and manuscripts and has expertise in significant historical materials. They can be found at http://www.cowanauctions.com/auctions/category.aspx?deptId=5
I would contact them directly at their emails for the best customer service.
Best wishes and good luck with such a neat item.
Dori
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