Rare Hobbit-themed item sold in charity shop for £10,000
Rare First Edition of Tolkien's 'The Hobbit' Sells for Record-Breaking Price in Charity Shop
A first edition copy of J.R.R. Tolkien's beloved classic, The Hobbit, has set a new record for the highest known sale price for such a version without an original dust cover. The book, which was discovered in a Cancer Research UK superstore in Dundee, Scotland, fetched £10,099.50 on eBay, significantly above its initial estimate of £10,000.
The book, published in 1937, is one of just 1,500 copies released in the original run. It features black and white illustrations by Tolkien himself, adding to its unique charm and value.
Adam Carsley, the store manager who found the book, initially thought it may not be sellable on the shop floor due to its age. However, upon closer inspection, he realised its potential worth and decided to put it up for sale on eBay.
Carsley, who was assisting with the training of new managers and the organization of stock in the Dundee shop, was surprised by the sale price. He initially thought the book may be worthy of being sent to the eBay team, but the final price far exceeded his expectations.
The sale of the book also holds the record for the highest price achieved on the Cancer Research UK eBay site for a single item. The proceeds from the sale will fund lifesaving research across the UK.
This sale highlights the strong collector interest and the increasing value of rare literary artifacts such as first editions of Tolkien’s works. In fact, a similar first edition The Hobbit sold for £43,000 in a subsequent auction, making it the highest known sale price for such a version without an original dust jacket.
The discovery of this rare book in a charity shop serves as a reminder that treasures can be found in the most unexpected places.
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