Original vs Reprint-Privately Bound vs Nat Geo

[TJ McMurdo]

I began researching a collection I recently obtained.  My purpose is to sell the collection.  However, the more I researched the more confused I became raising more questions than when I started.
The collection info: Bound Hardcover volumes: Jan-Jun 1922,  Jan-Jun 1923, then complete years until 1943.  A total of 44 bound hardcover volumes.  25 regular issues range from January 1944 until October 1946.
My confusion and questions:
1-how do I know if I have an original?
-most of the issues have a copyright year at the bottom of the back of the index page
-some of the volumes in the 1920's were published by The Press of Judd Detweiler.  Are they originals?  Are they collectible?


3-What does privately bound mean?  Would the volumes above be privately bound?  Does it matter that each decade has different binding color schemes: In the 20's Red & Black  - In the 30s Black

and
in the 40's Brown and Black

4-I've found maps in some volumes. Is there a list detailing the volumes that contained maps, etc?
5-how do I assess their value in order to sell them? Should I sell them by volume or as a set?
I thank you in advance,
TJ McMurdo

[Dale]

Some quick answers:
1. What you have are all originals. Reprints were only issued for the earlier magazines and bound volumes between 1888 to 1907.
2. Elsewhere in these forums Paul Grist has discussed bound volumes bound by the Society. Look him up. In general, all bound original volumes have been privately bound. Judd & Detweiler, an independent bindery based in DC that has been closely affiliated with the NGS, was often used to bind volumes. So yes, they are collectible.
3. See (2) above. The second part is more difficult to answer and often a question of personal taste. Many book collectors cherish the original binding as this gives character and history to the volume. You can be sure that it is not worth rebinding them as the expense would never be recouped in any sale. The three volumes you show in the photos are similar in their spine layout and lettering. As you've only got 44 of the 216 volumes, the fact that they are not exactly matched is not an issue.
4. One of the better lists on maps and supplements is at:
http://www.johnstonsarchive.net/other/ngsmaps.html
5. Just be realistic about what you might get for them. Selling them as a whole in one way is easier, but postage would be very expensive, so you might be limited to local buyers. Selling them off by year or volume has a lot more postage work associated with their sale. Look at eBay to see what they fetch there.
Cheers

[Wendy Thrasher]

Hi!

Is your collection still available?  Where are you located?  I'm in Bancroft, Ontario, Canada.

 

My e-mail is:     [e-mail]

 

Wendy