A books expert who’s built a global reputation for discovering rare and unusual items is heading to Warwickshire in August in search of auction stars.
Jim Spencer, head of books and works on paper at Hansons Auctioneers, will be at The Malt House, The Rookery, Alveston, Stratford, Warwickshire, CV37 7QP on August 26 from noon-4pm. In addition, stamps expert Geoff Milsom will be on hand and general antiques can also be assessed and consigned to auction.
Jim has sparked worldwide headlines by uncovering 15 hardback 1997 first editions of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Known as the holy grail of rare Potter books, only 500 were printed. They have sold at Hansons for prices ranging from £17,000 to £69,000 dependant on condition.
Another big find emerged in 2018 when Jim found a ‘masterpiece’ in a cupboard. The rare first edition of Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith, published in 1776, achieved £65,000 under the hammer.
And earlier this year Jim uncovered a book published in 1698 relating to aliens at a valuation event at a garden centre in Gloucestershire. The Celestial World Discover’d: Or, Conjectures Concerning the Inhabitants, Plants and Productions of the Worlds in the Planets sold for £3,400 in July, 2022.
Jim said: “The book tries to describe what extra-terrestrial beings might look like, how they spend their time, even what their music sounds like. It seems almost comical, but it’s informed by scientific reasoning, and who knows how our own thoughts on these matters will appear to people looking back in 324 years.
“Fascinating finds like this inspire me to continue searching for more historical gems. I hope we may discover some more at the valuation event in Alveston.”
Free valuations and consignments will be available at The Malt House, The Rookery, Alveston, Stratford, Warwickshire, CV37 7QP on August 26, noon-4pm.
To find out more, email Carol Jones: [email protected]. To arrange a remote book valuation, email [email protected].
