Pawn Stars: 11 RAREST BOOKS EVER FEATURED (Mega-Compilation) | History

Pawn Stars・2 minutes read

The book discusses an incunable printed in 1484, focusing on St. Thomas Aquinas, purchased for $3,500 but later negotiated to a final price of $2,500. Various rare books, including a Gutenberg Bible and "Federalist Papers," are evaluated, with restoration estimates and negotiations resulting in final sale prices.

Insights

  • The condition of historical books significantly impacts their value, with factors like wormholes, mold damage, and authenticity playing crucial roles in determining prices during negotiations.
  • Signatures and authorship, especially in the form of personal signatures or inscriptions, add substantial value to collectible books, making them more desirable for memorabilia dealers and collectors.

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Recent questions

  • What is the significance of the incunable book discussed?

    The incunable book is one of the oldest printed books, dating back to 1484, focusing on St. Thomas Aquinas.

  • How does the condition of the books affect their value?

    The condition of the books, such as wormholes and alterations, significantly impacts their monetary worth.

  • What is the value of the signed baseball history book?

    The signed baseball history book is valued at $2,500 due to its scarcity and author signature.

  • How does mold damage affect the value of historical books?

    Mold damage can decrease the value of historical books, as seen in the appraisal of the "Pocket Atlas" and "Federalist Papers."

  • What is the estimated value of the restored items?

    The restored items could potentially reach a value of up to $14,000 after repairs and restoration work.

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Summary

00:00

Rare 15th-Century Book on St. Thomas Aquinas

  • The book discussed is an incunable, printed in 1484, making it one of the oldest printed books.
  • It focuses on theologian and philosopher St. Thomas Aquinas.
  • Purchased at an auction 20 years ago for $3,500, it is bound in pigskin, a traditional method.
  • Despite wormholes from bookworms, its age and rarity make it valuable.
  • The book's condition is crucial for its value, with wormholing common in 15th-century books.
  • A significant issue is the non-original black coloring, indicating a later addition.
  • If original, the book could be worth $6,000 to $7,000, but with the alteration, its value is $3,500 to $4,000.
  • A negotiation settles on a final price of $2,500 for the book.
  • Another book, a card game guide from 1866, is discussed, won in a poker game.
  • The book expert values it at $2,000, considering its historical significance and market demand.

11:24

Signed baseball history book valued at $2,500

  • The book discussed is highly collectible for baseball history enthusiasts, especially when signed.
  • The book is described as a mythmaking tool that shapes the myth of baseball history.
  • The condition of the book is crucial for its value, with bright gilt and eye appeal being significant factors.
  • The book is signed by the author, which is preferred over mere signatures for memorabilia dealers.
  • An expert values the book at $2,500 due to its condition and scarcity of signed copies.
  • The book is considered more suitable for the book market than sports stores.
  • A negotiation takes place, with the seller initially wanting $1,300 but eventually agreeing to $1,300.
  • The seller plans to invest the $1,300 in a Babe Ruth baseball.
  • Another book, "Theatrum Chemicum Brittannicum," is discussed, containing secrets of creating gold through alchemy.
  • A leaf from the Gutenberg Bible, a significant historical artifact, is presented and valued at $65,000.

23:13

"Antique Book Negotiations: Bible, Atlas, Papers"

  • Rick questions the authenticity of a Gutenberg Bible, examining it under light to see chain lines indicating handmade paper from that period.
  • Rebecca confirms the Bible's authenticity, estimating its value at around $80,000.
  • Rick negotiates with Rebecca, settling on a final price of $47,000 for the Bible.
  • Jamie presents a 1700 "Pocket Atlas" in French, discussing its history and the significance of hand-colored maps.
  • Rebecca inspects the atlas, noting mold damage that affects its value, suggesting a selling price of $12,000.
  • Rick negotiates with Jamie, eventually agreeing on a sale price of $5,500 for the atlas.
  • Diana offers an 1802 edition of the "Federalist Papers" for $8,250, acquired from the trash.
  • Rick examines the "Federalist Papers" with Rebecca, who identifies mold damage and highlights their historical importance.
  • Rebecca expresses concern about the mold but believes the books are worth salvaging despite the damage.
  • Rick negotiates with Diana, eventually agreeing on a sale price of $5,500 for the "Federalist Papers."

34:36

"Book Negotiations: From $1,000 to $200,000"

  • Repairs for the items are estimated to cost at least $1,000.
  • The restored value of the items could reach up to $14,000.
  • Negotiations lead to a final price of $7,000 for the items.
  • A signed first edition of "The Wizard of Oz" is presented, valued at $10,000.
  • Restoration costs for the book are discussed, with a potential value of $30,000 post-restoration.
  • A deal is not reached for "The Wizard of Oz" due to differing price expectations.
  • A copy of "Rip Van Winkle" is presented, aiming for a sale price of $1,500.
  • The book is assessed to be worth around $300 due to its condition.
  • Negotiations result in a final sale price of $75 for "Rip Van Winkle."
  • Historical books signed by President John Adams are presented, with an asking price of $200,000.

47:04

"John Adams' Influence on Naval History Book"

  • Thomas Clark was encouraged by John Adams to write a Naval history book.
  • The second edition of Clark's Naval history was greatly revised and expanded after the War of 1812.
  • John Adams provided input to Clark and the publisher on what should be included in the revised edition.
  • The book's provenance is confirmed by evidence of offsetting and the correct bookplate for John Adams.
  • The absence of John Adams' handwriting in the book affects its value, estimated at $10,000 to $12,000.
  • A Geneva Bible from 1583, a Protestant Bible with historical significance, is presented for sale at $1,600.
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