My battered children’s books were worth a life-changing sum – here’s how to check if you’re sitting on a goldmine
The value of a guest’s old children’s books has been revealed at Antiques Roadshow – and here’s how to find out if you have a buried treasure worth a fortune.
Two sisters brought a handwritten note with a Peter Rabbit sketch and two torn books for appreciation.
3
3
Legendary author, Beatrix Potter wrote the novels and drew the illustration of the rabbit himself.
The sisters said their mother met Beatrix Potter in 1941 when she was living at a property in Near Sawrey in the Lake District, close to the writer’s home.
She brought “The Tailor of Gloucester” and “The Tale of Ginger and Pickles” to have them signed by the author.
Potter wrote her a personal note and a poem, as well as a pen and ink drawing of her most famous character, Peter Rabbit.
The two “battered” books turned out to be valuable, even though they were not in the best condition.
This was because the author had signed it with her maiden name and not her married name, Beatrix Heelis.
So if you have old signed books that have an author’s maiden name on them, they could be very valuable.
A book with a personal message to the person increases the value.
However, the condition of the item affects its value, and in this case the sisters’ books were a bit in disarray.
Expert Clive Farahar said: “I’m afraid I’m going to spend a few thousand pounds on these two books. Well, they’re signed by Beatrix Potter.”
But after careful examination, he discovered that the drawing alone was worth a staggering £25,000.
“I’m speechless!” a nurse exclaimed.
The other sister said: “It’s worth £25,000. He needs to be looked after. Please don’t make it rain!”
The Antiques Roadshow airs on Sundays at 8pm on BBC.
3