Palmer's Company Law, Thirteenth Edition (1929) Appraisal
Category: Legal Textbook
Description
This item is an antique legal textbook titled "Palmer's Company Law," specifically the Thirteenth Edition. It is described as "A PRACTICAL BOOK FOR LAWYERS AND BUSINESS MEN." The book includes an appendix containing the "COMPANIES ACT, 1929, AND THE COMPANIES (WINDING-UP) RULES." The authors are listed as ALFRED F. TOPHAM, LL.M., and it was assisted by ALFRED R. TAYLOUR, M.A. The publisher is STEVENS AND SONS, LIMITED, located at 119 & 120, CHANCERY LANE, London, identified as 'Law Publishers.' The publication year is clearly stated as 1929, establishing its age and historical context. The visible page is an off-white or cream color, indicative of aged paper. The text is printed in black ink with varying font sizes and styles to differentiate between the title, subtitle, contents, and publication details. The overall construction appears to be a stitched or bound volume, with the spine and cover not fully visible but the pages showing typical book binding. The condition is noted as good, suggesting minimal wear and tear, with no significant visible creases, tears, or discoloration on the title page. The paper shows a natural patina consistent with its age, but without any severe foxing or brittleness. The craftsmanship appears professional, typical of established law publishers of the era.
Appraisal Report
I have examined the provided image of "Palmer's Company Law, Thirteenth Edition (1929)" and the additional details. Based on what I can discern visually, the book appears to be in good condition for its age. The title page shows minimal discoloration, no significant creases or tears, and the print remains clear. The off-white paper color is consistent with 1929 publications. This suggests the book has been well-preserved, likely stored in favorable environmental conditions. Authenticity is strongly supported by the detailed title page, clearly listing authors, publisher (Stevens and Sons, Limited, a reputable legal publisher), and a precise publication year (1929), along with the specific Companies Act of 1929 mentioned in the appendix. This level of detail makes it highly probable the item is genuine. The market for antique legal textbooks is niche. While legal history enthusiasts, academics, and some legal professionals may seek out such volumes, "Palmer's Company Law" is not a rare first edition of a groundbreaking philosophical work, nor is it signed or associated with a famous individual. Its value lies primarily in its historical significance as a snapshot of company law at that specific time, particularly as it incorporates the new 1929 Act. Comparables for similar well-preserved, non-signed legal treatises from this period typically range from $40 to $100, depending on condition and specific title relevance. The main factors impacting value are its good condition and its historical context regarding the Companies Act, 1929. The demand is moderate, driven by collectors interested in legal history or specific UK legal statutes. Limitations: My assessment of condition is based solely on the visible title page. A full physical inspection is crucial to verify the condition of the entire volume, including the binding, all pages for foxing, brittleness, underlining, or damage, and the presence of all plates or illustrations if applicable. For full authenticity verification, especially beyond the title page (though unlikely to be an issue here), examining paper quality and printing methods under magnification would be ideal.
Appraisal Value
$60-90