National Geographic's Collectors Corner

Collaborative site for collectors, dealers, & anyone interested in our history.

I have hard bound issues of the magazine. 1915-1920, 1924-1926, 1927 jan-june, 1928-1929, 1930 jan-june, 1931, and 1947-1949. Very good condition. Wondering if any have any monetary value?

Views: 64

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Greetings Mr. Glen,

I just saw your posting...all these issues (bound volumes) you have a great eras in NGS and world history!

As for the valuation of them, it's a bit inconsistent. It all depends on 'who' is looking for 'what', and if they are seeking such at the time you are advertising them. The price range varies - of course original copies [not the Reprints] would be preferable, and possibly more $$-value. Even if originals, the condition is what drives the value - more than their age. The age in itself is not value per se.

In terms of scarcity (or rarity) of the issues, the 1888-1915 period is prime. 1915-approx. late 1960's can also be a fair, but not large value. For 1970-Present, these are abundantly available, and are hard in some areas to "give away".

Some points to be aware of:

- Libraries have been purging their long-time physical inventories of NG Magazines, as they can minimize cost, space and effort by acquiring the cd-rom compilations of the Magazine.

- Many times an interested party will have interest in what you or anyone has to offer, but are deterred from how heavy and bulky a lot of NGM's would be; the shipping costs are a fair sum, obviously depending upon the distance between seller and buyer.

- It seems like the bound issues would be a preferred presentation over the individual copies. Yet, this desirability will depend on which style/manufacturer of bindings they are in. Many only want to hunt for same-style (bound) covers, to keep their sets "matching". Then, some of the bound volumes are only the article pages in sequential order per year; whereas some others will also have the covers and/or advertisements bound in too. OR, some are pages/covers, or pages/advertisements. You have the collectors who are after only the advertisements; only after the covers; or merely after the content rather than the other 2 options.

- Potential interested paeties will also want to know of any damage, AND whether the map supplements are included (still present).


Glen, I can let you know that when I was posting extra issues and year sets on eBay in 2005-07, I was able to get about $14-18 for some 1930's years (w/ supplements) - in moderate/decent conditions. Via eBay and other online sites, I'd say it is harder - as in waiting longer to find a buyer/taker - for the bounds Vs. the single issues. Then again, without the internet nowadays, it is so much less likely that you'd find anyone...

You could also consider donating them to any retirement or group homes. I'd say schools & churches too, for their Art departments and Sunday schools (for projects) - but this implies that the bound volumes would be dismantled. Personally, if nothing else, that would be a better option than those who throw these all away.

I hope that some background on this is interesting or useful for you. Best wishes and have a great spring season.

- Scott T. Shier

Hi Glen!

 

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

 

My e-mail is:     wendythrasher@sympatico.ca

 

Wendy

RSS

Members

Legal notice about this site

Note: Any sales or trade arrangements are solely between users of this site; The National Geographic Society is not a party to and does not endorse or promote any particular sales or trade arrangements between collectors, dealers, or others. Due to the immediate nature of this medium, National Geographic Online also does not review, censor, approve, edit or endorse information placed on this forum. Discussion boards on National Geographic Online are intended to be appropriate for family members of all ages. Posting of indecent material is strictly prohibited. The placement of advertisements or solicitations unrelated to National Geographic also is prohibited. National Geographic Online shall review information placed on this forum from time to time and delete inappropriate material that comes to its attention as soon as it is practicable, but cannot guarantee that such material will not be found on the forum. By posting material on this discussion board you agree to adhere to this policy prohibiting indecent, offensive or extraneous advertising material, and to legally assume full and sole responsibility for your posting.

© 2024   Created by Cathy Hunter.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service