A rare edition of Ernest Hemmingway's first edition book, "Three Stories & Ten Poems," published by Contact Publishing Company in 1923, one of just 300 copies ever printed, brought $68,500 at Heritage Rare weekly book auctions. Others are out there somewhere collecting dust.
Complementing the rare edition of Hemingway's first books was another important early edition from Hemmingway, with dust jacket of "Men Without Women" published by Charles Scribner & Sons in 1927 that brought $5,313.
Selling for $21,250 was one of 750 first edition copy of "Tales of the Grotesque and Arabesque," published in 1840. Seven hundred forty-nine more are out there somewhere.
Wilda Cathers', "Death Comes For The Archbishop," published by Alfred A. Knopp in 1927, No. 40 out of 50 bound copies that were printed on Japan Vellum and signed by Cather on the limitation page, brought a record price for the title realizing $16,250.
A first edition copy of "Scouting for Boy" realized $10,000.
One of 500 first edition copies of Thomas Hardy's Second book, "Under the Greenwood Tree," one of 500 ever printed brought $5,938.
If you have an old book you feel is rare, contact Heritage Weekly Internet Book and Autograph Auctions at 1-800-872-6467 or log on to their website at ha.com and fill out a form listing books you have for sale, and they will get back in touch with you.
Auction prices
- Clock (Bullova) marked Frontier Jewelers, Marietta, $50.
- Donaghho fruit jar, 3 gallon, Parkersburg, W.Va., $295.
- Salt shaker (glass) marked Leader Restaurant, Marietta, $20.
- Milk bottle, marked Stoops Dairy, Parkersburg, $110.
- Marietta bricks marked either "Cisler" or "Acme," or "Sterling" any three is worth $10 each.
- Negative of Nash School, Parkersburg, $34.
Larry Koon is the author of several price guide books on antiques and collectibles. His column appears every Monday on Life. Send letters to Treasure in the Attic, c/o The Marietta Times, 700 Channel Lane, Marietta 45750; or e-mail him at koonantiques@yahoo.com. When writing, send a complete description of the item, along with size, color, any markings on the item along with condition the item is in, and how the item was obtained, and any other information. If possible, send a photograph. Letters will be answered through this column.
