Coleman Phillipson Appraisal

Mayne's Treatise on Damages, Ninth Edition by Coleman Phillipson (1920)

The item is a vintage legal treatise, specifically identified as 'Mayne's Treatise on Damages, Ninth Edition by Coleman Phillipson.' The book features a sturdy, somewhat faded binding, likely constructed from a durable material such as buckram or thick cloth, consistent with legal texts designed for longevity. The color of the spine is a muted reddish-brown or tan, showing signs of age and handling, including some discoloration and minor scuff marks. The title and author information are printed directly onto the spine in black or very dark ink, which has also faded slightly over time, but remains legible. Below the author's name, there is a clear handwritten inscription in white or light-colored ink, which appears to be a library or cataloging call number: 'KN371 / P55 / 1920'. This suggests the book was once part of a collection and points to its publication year being 1920. The overall condition suggests regular use, typical for a working legal reference, with visible wear along the edges and corners, indicating the book has been frequently handled and perhaps stored in various environments. The spine shows a slight concavity, suggesting the weight of the pages and gravitational pull over many years. No rips or major tears are immediately visible on the spine, suggesting the binding remains largely intact, though its structural integrity beyond what's visible cannot be fully ascertained from the image alone. The book exhibits good craftsmanship for a functional legal text of its era, intended for utility rather than ornate display. Its age places it squarely in the early 20th century.