Hello, I am new here and I would like to ask a question. I stumbled upon a £4 book in a charity shop today that I just had to buy! It is called 'The Metropolitan Police Guide.' The publication date is 1896 and it is the Second Edition. Upon researching online I have come to the conclusion that the earliest copy for sale anywhere (including auction and antiques dealer websites) is the fifth and sixth edition, where as mine is the second. Does this mean it is quite rare? The book is to do with law at the time of publication and the author is W.F.A Archibald ESQ who was a master of the supreme court at the time. There are a further two authors who helped and they were barristers. I also found no available records on the National Archives, but it did say on there that records of the second edition are held at the Brixham Heritage Museum and a Library in Australia somewhere... Could this mean I have one of the only surviving copies? Even if I did, who would I contact to get it valued properly? The book is in quite good condition considering its age and no pages are missing. I don't think many copies were made anyway, because they were only handed out to the met police for guidance on law at the time. I believe this is a really interesting piece of British history and I am quite surprised that the charity shop did not spot it's value! ANY information would be so helpful to me as I have no idea what I should be doing right now.
Old police stuff can do well, but although rare it may not be all that valuable. Domenick Winter Book Auctions handle all sorts of odd stuff, I have sold antiquarian books through them and had good results. E-mail them or give them a phone call. They are located near Stroud, Glos.
Yes I see your point. Although I have found the fifth edition listed on a two auction and antique sites at over £300.
Metropolitan police guide 1896 by Misty Horler posted Nov 11, 2017 at 9:12 AM Metropolitan police guide 1896 by Misty Horler posted Nov 11, 2017 at 9:12 AM Metropolitan police guide by Misty Horler posted Nov 11, 2017 at 9:12 AM
The National Archives (.gov) >UK http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/...h/research-guides/london-metropolitan-police/ This guide explains how to find police entry books, registers, pension and other useful records relating to staff of the London Metropolitan Police and the Transport Police. ... 3.1 Metropolitan Police. The National Archives has a substantial collection of Metropolitan Police staff ... Missing: 1896
If the National Archives is missing a copy it might be a rather nice thing to do to donate yours to them. You may miss out on some profit, but it would be a feel good sort of thing you rarely get an opportunity to do in everyday life.
Or....you could buy it from Misty.....and donate it yourself ! Y'know....for that ' feel good ' thing.......
Why do you want to know where it was found? Why do you need to know? I'm not being rude, I'm just wondering.