Add an image to this blog post
Knowledge & Research
What Determines the Value of a Rare Book?
This article explains how to determine the value of your collection.
Expert Advice on ValuationSell & Valuations
Sell Rare Books, Manuscripts & Historical Documents
We acquire and represent historically significant books, manuscripts and archives.
Specialist acquisition of historically important material
Have you inherited an old library, discovered a manuscript, or own books and documents whose significance you would like to understand?
Antykwariat Woodward specialises in acquiring and researching rare books, manuscripts, autographs, archives and historical documents. I am particularly interested in material which is similar in quality to that in my current stock and archive.
Every object has a story. My role is to uncover it.
What I Acquire
Manuscripts
Including:
- medieval manuscripts
- illuminated leaves
- handwritten codices
- literary manuscripts
- historical documents
- archival material
Rare Books
Including:
- incunabula
- early printed books
- first editions
- illustrated books
- important scholarly works
- theological and classical texts
- books with exceptional provenance
Libraries & Collections
I will consider:
- private libraries
- inherited collections
- specialist collections
- archives
- family papers
Options for Selling Your Collection
-
Consignment
I can sell material on your behalf. This is typically slower than an auction, but benefits from specialist research, our established network of collectors and more control over your consignment. Fees are determined on a case-by-case basis.
-
Direct Sale
I can buy books and manuscripts directly. Please see my contact details here to offer me something for sale. I am to respond within 1-2 business days, but more complex material may require longer.
-
Valuation
I do not currently offer formal valuations for insurance or legal purposes but can provide my informal opinion. This is free of charge and offered as a courtesy.
Selling Rare Books: Frequently Asked Questions
I found an old book in my attic. Is it worth checking?
Yes.
Attics, inherited homes and family collections occasionally contain important material that has remained unnoticed for generations.
The best first step is simply to document what you have and seek an informed opinion before making decisions.
How do I know if my old books are valuable?
Age alone does not determine value. Important factors include rarity, edition, condition, provenance and historical significance. For a full guide on valuation, read our guide here.
Do you buy individual books or only collections?
We consider both individual exceptional items and larger collections.
Do you buy inherited libraries?
Yes. We are interested in specialist libraries and collections where important material may be hidden among more ordinary books.
How should I prepare books for assessment?
Do not clean, repair or remove inscriptions before assessment. Original condition and evidence of ownership are often important.
Can you identify a manuscript or autograph?
Yes. Manuscripts and autographs often require examination of handwriting, content, context and provenance. Certificates of authenticity or similar documentation is not currently offered, but I can make recommendations to authenticators.
Do you buy books outside of Poland?
Yes.
Do I need to know what I have before contacting you?
No. Many important discoveries begin with unidentified material.
You do not need to know the author, date or value of a book or manuscript before contacting us. I regularly examine material where the significance only becomes clear through research into:
- printing history
- handwriting
- provenance
- historical context
- previous ownership
I have hundreds or thousands of old books. Where should I start?
Do not begin by removing books randomly or discarding apparently ordinary volumes.
The most important discoveries are often identified through:
- ownership marks
- signatures
- unusual bindings
- manuscript notes
- complete sets
- associations with particular families or institutions
If possible, send photographs of:
- shelves
- bindings
- title pages of books
- handwritten inscriptions
- labels and stamps
Do you buy books that are not in perfect condition?
Yes.
Condition is important, but it is only one factor.
A rare manuscript, unique association copy or historically important document may remain significant despite:
- worn bindings
- damaged covers
- stains
- missing parts
Please do not attempt repairs, cleaning or restoration before assessment, as original features may be historically important. Restoration should be undertaken by an experienced conservator as most non-expert attempts cause more damage than they fix.
Should I remove old notes, labels or inscriptions from books?
No.
Ownership inscriptions, stamps, labels and handwritten notes can significantly increase historical importance.
Do you buy books in languages other than Polish?
Yes.
Historical importance is not limited by language.
We consider material in languages including:
- Latin
- Polish
- English
- French
- German
- Italian
- Russian
- Greek
- Hebrew
And other languages.
Do I need to send the books physically?
Usually not initially.
For a first assessment, photographs are generally sufficient.
If the material appears potentially significant, we can discuss the appropriate next step.
What photographs should I send?
For books:
- front cover
- spine
- title page
- first pages
- final page/colophon if present
- inscriptions
- unusual features
For manuscripts:
- overall images
- close-ups of handwriting
- signatures
- decoration
- seals
- provenance marks
What happens after I contact you?
The process usually begins with:
- An initial review of photographs and information.
- Research into potentially significant material.
- Discussion of possible acquisition or other options.
- Arranging examination or purchase where appropriate.
Should I sell my collection or donate it to a library or museum?
This depends entirely on the material and your objectives.
Some objects are best suited for private collecting, while others may have particular importance for public institutions or research collections.
We can discuss the significance of material and possible routes for preservation.
Why choose a specialist antiquarian dealer rather than a general book buyer?
General book buyers often focus on resale value based on age, condition or demand.
A specialist antiquarian approach considers the wider historical picture:
- provenance
- authorship
- rarity
- documentary value
- historical connections
Research can reveal significance that is not visible at first glance.
Do you buy old Bibles?
Yes.
I am interested in historically important Bibles, particularly examples with:
- early printing significance
- manuscript additions
- important provenance
- unusual editions
- historical associations
It is rare that I will be interested in a Bible printed later than 1750. I am always interested in Bibles produced before 1500.