Value of a four volume set of Abraham Lincoln - The War Years by Carl Sandburg. Inside covers says First Edition 1939. Signature by Carl Sandburg on card placed inside front cover. Volumes are blue-gray cloth with gilt title on binding. Impressed signature on front outside cover.
Optional Information: What have you tried so far?: Researched on Abe Books and found similar listing at $1595.00, but it included a box sleeve for the four volume set. Mine has no box sleeve.
Good afternoon,This set was published in multiple versions in 1939. A leather copy, a limited edition (525 copies) brown buckram copy on rag paper, and a blue cloth copy. in near fine condition (without the slipcase) the blue cloth copy has a retail value of $450-500. The copy on ABE for $1595 includes the original slipcase but also one volume is signed by Sandburg. Please let me know if you have any other questions about these volumes.
Experience: Antique store owner specializing in books; USPAP
The first volume in my set has a signature card (signed by Sandburg) on one of the interior cover pages. Does this increase the value of the set, even though it does not have the box cover?
Does the signature card have any numbering?
The signature card does not have any numberling. It says "This book is especially Autographed by the Author and signed Carl Sandburg
I was wondering if you have a limited edition set (that's why I asked about the numbering). But the language of the bookplate does not match the limited edition bookplates. One volume signed would increase the value ~$100-150.
My book set does call itself a First Edition, but with the knowledge that there were 525 copies printed in a first run limited edition that was leather bound I believe. So, is my set considered a first edition, especially with a signature plate placed in the first volume of the set?
Yes, it is still considered a first edition. Publishers will print a limited edition (also known as deluxe) which is usually available for pre-order. The publisher doesn't change the print set at all - they just bind it differently. Or in some cases it is bound the same and they just have it signed by the author or add a slip case. Now, this is usually done with art and photography books and less with non-fiction or literature. Your copy is considered a first edition as stated.