Mary Mapes Dodge Appraisal

Hans Brinker by Mary Mapes Dodge (Grosset & Dunlap Edition)

This item is an antique or vintage hardcover book, titled "Hans Brinker" by Mary Mapes Dodge. The book features a cloth-bound cover, primarily in a muted olive green or drab color, with a rectangular label or panel adhered to the spine. This panel is light blue or silver-grey, framed by a red-brown border. The title "HANS BRINKER" is prominently displayed in a bold, sans-serif font, with the author's name, "MARY MAPES DODGE," in a smaller, lighter font below it. Further down the spine panel, the publisher's name, "GROSSET & DUNLAP," is visible. There are also red-brown horizontal lines or bands at the top and bottom of the spine panel, consistent with decorative elements common in books from the early to mid-20th century. The overall condition of the book appears to be fair to good for its age, showing visible signs of wear consistent with an older item. The cloth binding exhibits some fading, discoloration, and potential soiling, particularly noticeable around the edges and on the spine. There is a small dark spot or possible tear at the very top edge of the spine, indicating minor damage. The edges of the paper label on the spine show some lifting or fraying, and the colors on the label appear somewhat faded, especially the lighter lettering for the author and publisher. The texture of the cloth seems to be a fine weave. While the exact age is not definitively verifiable without an interior view, the style of the binding and the publisher (Grosset & Dunlap often published reprints and popular editions) suggest a possible publication period from the early 1900s to the 1940s. The craftsmanship, typical for mass-produced hardcovers of that era, is functional rather than highly ornate, focusing on durability.