Original Douay–Rheims Bible questions :)

Hello Antiquers,

Been a while since I've been here, but need your input yet again on my latest find

So the bible in question : Douay–Rheims Bible

Original one, printed in 1609.
Now I know these are extremely rare, so really looking at opportunities to sell it.

My question is, how could I sell it (looking for collectors, contact, hints, etc) and what sort of value shall I be asking for.

Is the first time I got something like this in my possession.

Condition wise, all the damage is pictured, rest of the bible is in pristine condition.

Thank you!

 

Hi Majer......If it were mine, I would contact a well known auction house.

But others may have other suggestions.

 

When I had a 'Breeches Bible' recently I consigned it to Dominic Winters saleroom (Specialist book auctioneer).

They are easy to deal with and get good results and have many international buyers.

I suggest you give them a call and see what they say.

 

I would also contact a specialty auction house.

 

https://www.antiquers.com/threads/some-of-my-17th-c-book-finds.5010/

This thread refers to my earlier dealings with Dominic Winter book auctions.

 

Thank you for the reply guys. Had a quick chit-chat with Dominic Winters saleroom, sent some pictures over and they come back with a quick valuation of £2000ish.
I have no idea how much am I looking for would you consider this fair ?

 

My books as a group fetched about 40% over estimate. Your results may differ. They will haggle over the seller's commission. I think I got a trade rate of about 10%.

If it gives you a profit it is fair, and over estimating and failing to sell is a pain.
Look at a few of their past sale catalogues on line and you will see they sell a huge number of rare books, etc.

You may also find sold examples of your Bible.

 

To be completely honest, I bought it for peanuts, so pretty much anything is a fair profit. I'll have to put some work in it to see what can be done, obviously I want to maximise my returns.

 

at 2000 pounds ...that's a ton of money......let them sell it for you....!

 

Always leave a bit for the next guy.

The buyer will almost certainly be someone you would never have found yourself. DW is a go to place for rare books. I suspect that you are not such a destination seller.
Some of the London auction houses have specialist rare book sales, you could ask a few of them, but you may have to wait six months for a suitable sale. There would be no guarantee of a a higher price, and they are not inclined to haggle over commission unless you are a really big name.



On a more philosphical note, fretting about maximising your windfall will diminish your justifiable joy about receiving the windfall. Plus the gods that hand out such gifts to canny antique dealers will not be pleased if you quibble about the exact value ot the gift, and may withold them in future.

 

in other words...don't get greedy.....unless you want to hold a dusty old book...for a long time...

 

Short form - take the money and run.

 

Shorter form -

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