Shakespeare 2nd Folio - Leaf: Help w/ Value

Hi All,

I have an opportunity to buy a leaf from a Shakespeare 2nd Folio and was hoping some here could weigh in on what it might be valued at. The leaf features the Othello title page on one side, and the final page of King Lear on the other side. Assuming it is in "average" condition, what do you think a fair value on this leaf might be?

Thanks!

 

That's such a unique item that I doubt anyone here would give you a number, but fine if they can do it. You'd have to find a recent auction of a comparable item and see what it sold for. You might want to send photos to the folks at the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, DC, they'd take a look and may give you some valuable info. about authenticity, etc, but don't ask for a valuation, museums and libraries hate that and then you'll get nothing.

 

Thank you so much for the reply! The leaf has been authenticated by Martin Weinkle of Buddenbrooks (https://www.ilab.org/eng/booksellers/1267-buddenbrooks_inc_.html) so seems to have a good provenance. It's really a beautiful leaf, with excellent visual interest (given that it is a title page), as well as historical significance.

I looked around at some recent auctions that I could find and seemed that the going rate for a "random leaf" from the second folio is going for around $300. By random, I mean it would be an interior leaf, not a title page, and likely from a lesser known play within the 2nd folio. This one is significantly more expensive.

If I purchase this, I would not be interested in reselling, so actual value is not that important to me. Rather, I would love some opinions from the collectors and enthusiasts on this forum on what something like this might be "worth to you" to help me see if how I am thinking of it is reasonable or being colored by "in the moment exuberance."

I hope that makes sense!

 

Where are the photos? You are asking people to evaluate for something they haven't seen, and at least in my case, I haven't the foggiest idea what one of these looks like. Good luck anyway.

 

Of course! See attached - Front and back of leaf. I would plan to have this encased and displayed.

 

I do not have expertise in this subject area firstly! However, you sound like you have done a fair amount of 'due diligence' and research. I would continue and do what @springfld.arsenal has suggested with the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, DC, to glean what information they might provide. You do not sound like you are "rushing into anything exuberantly", even if you are excited about this piece......just use your best judgement!!! I never bought things to sell anyway....I bought because I loved them.....let those that come after me worry about them!!!! Or a will/trust!!!!!! BEST OF LUCK with your venture!!!!

 

Thanks for the perspective! I've reached out to Folgers and will definitely relay what they say. In the mean time other perspectives are greatly appreciated!