Gotta know...

[CrazySlasher]

what this stuff is/worth. One item was dug up in my backyard, the other has been kicking around my attic forever.


First 2 pics: Angel/Cherub plaque dug up in my back yard.
Second Pic:

Second pic is a copy of Dante's Inferno. It was translated by The Rev H.F. Cary, A.M.

At the bottom of the first page it says : New York: American Book Exchange, Tribune Building 1880. On the next page it reads: Printed by Thomas Holman Cor.Centre & White Sts., New York.


I know there are a lot of copies of Dante's Inferno translated by Cary, but I can not find this copy anywhere. I emailed a vintage book dealer and he couldn't help me even after telling him that it has a giant golden Swastika on the front. Also, there are NO illustrations in this book!

[JCWhite]

Hi and welcome to Treasure Quest, the best darn MD forum anywhere. I am not sure about the plaque but your book is more than likely worth between 300 to 600 dollars depending on condition. From the picture it looks like high end but not sure. It is a keeper though and a great find. Thanks for posting.

Howdy and welcome to the forum.
I think that is quite a rare find you have there.

[anne]

I would guess at it being rare but don't know for sure.

Welcome to TQ

[PAPPY]

I will get you some information just as soon as possible....BUSY day here today and I will work on it tonight...promise

[julieburger]

Very nice finds.

[CrazySlasher]

Originally Posted by JCWhite

Hi and welcome to Treasure Quest, the best darn MD forum anywhere. I am not sure about the plaque but your book is more than likely worth between 300 to 600 dollars depending on condition. From the picture it looks like high end but not sure. It is a keeper though and a great find. Thanks for posting.

Wow! That's awesome. That book is in almost perfect condition. No rips, tears, or anything. What made you come to those numbers?

[JCWhite]

I am a first edition book collector and I looked at some editions that were published soon after that one that were selling for 500 dollars. Based on my assumption that yours was in good condition and the cover art I would place it above them. As I said earlier it is a guess and if you can PM me some of the details on title page I would be glad to research it further and get a better value assesment. I love books. and Metal detecting. and fishing.... and aw heck just too many to list.

[PAPPY]

I can't tell you anything about the plaque that you have found. Wish you could provide a better picture of the plaque front and back.

Your Dante's Inferno may very well be worth the time and effort to look into.
Tom Folio at Once Read Books in Long Beach Calif. has the Dante's Inferno from the orig. of Dante Alighieri Translated by the Rev. Henry Francis Clay, M.A. by Cassell & Company in New York. He is asking $240.00 for the copy that he has and it is in the following condition:
Oversize Large, Heavy, Hardcover, Black & Gold Cover and lettering, rub corners, frayed spine, corner bumps, chips to edges, hinge split front interior, gilt edge plates.

I would suggest you contact Tom as he is a leading figure in old books and manuscripts. You can contact him at the following by e-mail or go to his web site.

TomFolio@OnceReadBooks.com

Once Read Books - Rare, used, and out-of-print books

5422 E. Village Road
Long Beac, Calif.

1-562-420-1034

[CrazySlasher]

You guys are friggan' awesome! I will get in touch with the dealer Pappy, thanks.

As far as the plaque goes, I'll put a couple more pics up tonight. I don't know if the back will help at all as it's sooo rusty!!