Birds of Massachusetts and Other New England States, Part III (not authenticated)

The item is an open hardcover book displaying the title page of 'Birds of Massachusetts and Other New England States, Part III. Land Birds from Sparrows to Thrushes' by Edward Howe Forbush, published by the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture under Dr. Arthur W. Gilbert, Commissioner. The page indicates the book was issued by authority of the legislature in 1929. The text notes that it is illustrated with colored plates from drawings by Louis Agassiz Fuertes and Allan Brooks, alongside figures and cuts from drawings and photographs, with a biographical sketch of Edward Howe Forbush by John Richard May. The physical characteristics include off-white, matte-finished paper typical of early 20th-century publishing, with traditional serif typography arranged in a formal, centered layout. The page exhibits some light natural aging, slight yellowing, and minor handling wear, but the print remains sharp and legible. There is a faint, dark cursive signature or inscription handwritten in ink near the bottom center just above the year 1929, which is unverified. The identification in the name rests directly upon the clearly readable printed text visible on the title page of the open volume.

Based on what I can see in the provided image, this is an open hardcover volume displaying the title page of 'Birds of Massachusetts and Other New England States, Part III' by Edward Howe Forbush, published in 1929 by the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture. The typography, paper stock, and layout are consistent with early 20th-century government printing standards, and the page exhibits expected light natural aging, slight yellowing, and minor handling wear while remaining sharp and legible. Near the bottom center, the page bears a faint, dark cursive inscription handwritten in ink. I cannot verify from a photo whether this inscription constitutes a genuine signature of the author or an associated historical figure, as handwriting analysis requires physical inspection. My value estimate assumes the identification of the book as stated on the title page. Complete sets or individual volumes of Forbush's ornithological works with plates by Louis Agassiz Fuertes and Allan Brooks generally appeal to regional book collectors and bird enthusiasts, with typical market demand fluctuating based on overall condition, the presence of all color plates, and the existence of any dust jackets. If authenticated through in-person expert examination and provenance research, a well-preserved single volume of this type typically trades within the $100–$250 range, though exceptional association copies with verified signatures could command a higher premium. Conversely, if the volume is discovered to be a modern facsimile, reproduction, or missing essential plates, the value would drop significantly to a nominal decorative level of $15–$30. Physical inspection, careful collation of the plate inventory, and expert evaluation of the handwritten inscription would be needed to confirm the true status and market standing of this piece.