A Nashville woman was left stunned at the value of her rare copy of William Shakespeare’s sonnets on PBS’s Antiques Roadshow.
The guest, who inherited the book from her father, initially thought it might be worth a modest $300 to $400. But expert Martin Gammon had a jaw-dropping revelation in store.
The rare copy of William Shakespeare’s sonnets – was valued at a whopping estimate of $5,000 to $7,000, with a recommended insurance value of $10,000.
The book in question was an 1899 Roycroft Press edition of ‘The Sonnets of Shakespeare’ – but it is not just any old copy.
This treasure is one of only 12 printed on vellum, which is made up of cow or pig skin, making it an ultra-rare collector’s item.Â
A Nashville woman was left stunned at the value of her rare copy of William Shakespeare’s sonnets on PBS’s Antiques Roadshow
The guest, who inherited the book from her father, initially thought it might be worth a modest $300 to $400. But expert Martin Gammon had a jaw-dropping revelation in store
The rare copy of William Shakespeare’s sonnets – was valued at a whopping estimate of $5,000 to $7,000, with a recommended insurance value of $10,000
‘It’s probably the finest high point from the Roycroft Press,’ said Gammon, leaving the owner visibly shocked.
‘It’s a very important American printer that was inspired by the Kelmscott Press in England to create a series of limited editions of literature and other categories, and the publisher is Elbert Hubbard.’Â
It survived the Great Depression when the guest’s grandfather, a rare book dealer, was forced to sell much of his collection.
‘My dad was born in Brooklyn and his father had a rare book business … he collected rare books but unfortunately, we just have a few of the books left because my dad’s father had to sell a lot of the books during the Depression,’ the guest said.Â
The book in question was an 1899 Roycroft Press edition of ‘The Sonnets of Shakespeare’
This treasure is one of only 12 printed on vellum, which is made up of cow or pig skin, making it an ultra-rare collector’s item
‘Oh my gosh. But this is one of the survivors that made it through,’ Gammon replied.
This literary treasure boasts rare craftsmanship, including an intricate display of Morocco leather, and a prestigious Roycroft bindery stamp, the appraiser explained.
‘It’s a real thrill,’ said Gammon.
The guest replied: ‘My dad would be so happy.’ … I’m so glad that they kept it, and didn’t flop it down the stairs after the Depression.’
‘I’m glad it wasn’t the one that they had to sell,’ she added.