A rare first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, which was on the verge of being discarded, has fetched an impressive £21,000 at auction. The valuable book, which was originally distributed to public libraries, was discovered amongst the belongings of a deceased gentleman from Brixham. The item had been set aside for disposal, but its true worth was recognised just in time.
The auction took place at NLB Auctions in Paignton on Saturday, drawing interest from bidders in the room, on the telephone, and online. The bidding was competitive, with interest coming from both domestic and international collectors.
A remarkable discovery
Daniel Pearce, the auctioneer overseeing the sale, was the one who identified the book’s significance. He discovered the first edition while handling the estate of the late owner. The book had been amongst various possessions earmarked for disposal, but upon closer inspection, its true value became apparent.
According to Mr Pearce, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone first editions, particularly those printed as hardbacks for library distribution, are highly sought after by collectors. The presence of several telltale features confirmed its authenticity, making it a prized find.
Telltale signs of a first edition
One of the key identifiers of this rare edition was an error on the book’s back cover. The word philosopher’s was misspelt, missing the final ‘o’. Such printing errors are often a crucial indicator of a book’s rarity and authenticity. Mr Pearce explained, “It is missing the ‘o’ at the end, which is a well-documented characteristic of early first editions.”
The inclusion of this small but significant mistake reinforced the book’s value, making it a highly desirable piece for collectors of Harry Potter memorabilia.
Auction success and international interest
Recognising the book’s potential, the auction house strategically scheduled the lot for approximately 16:00 GMT. This timing was chosen to accommodate bidders from different time zones, particularly those on the west coast of the United States, where demand for rare literary collectibles remains strong.
The decision proved to be a wise one, as the book ultimately found its way to an overseas buyer. The final sale price of £21,000 was an outstanding result, especially considering the book was nearly discarded. The winning bid reflected the high value placed on rare first editions of the beloved Harry Potter series, which continues to captivate fans worldwide.
A satisfying outcome
Following the successful auction, Mr Pearce expressed his delight at the outcome. He stated, “It’s a really great result for a first edition hardback, especially one that was almost thrown away. The final price achieved is absolutely fantastic.”
He further remarked that the previous owner’s family would be thrilled with the financial windfall generated by the sale.
“The owner will be delighted as well with the money,” he added, highlighting the unexpected fortune that came from the discovery of this rare literary treasure.
More Read
The ongoing legacy of Harry Potter
The Harry Potter franchise remains one of the most successful literary and cinematic phenomena of all time. First published in 1997, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone introduced readers to the magical world of Hogwarts and its famous protagonist, Harry Potter. Over the years, early editions of the book have become highly collectible, with first editions in pristine condition commanding exceptionally high prices at auction.
This latest sale is yet another testament to the enduring appeal and financial value of J.K. Rowling’s creation. It serves as a reminder that literary treasures can sometimes be found in the most unexpected places—even amongst items destined for the rubbish bin.
