Page from THE INTERNATIONAL INTERPRETER Publication Appraisal
Category: Printed Ephemera
Description
A single page from a publication titled "THE INTERNATIONAL INTERPRETER", dated December 15th, and numbered 1133. This page appears to be an advertisement or listing of books published by HARCOURT, BRACE AND COMPANY, located at 383 Madison Avenue, New York. The layout features a large octagonal central section listing several book titles, including "ROOTABAGA PIGEONS" by Carl Sandburg, "MARCHING ON", "WEEDS", "THE CONQUERED", "THE WORLD'S ILLUSION", "MUSICAL CHRONICLE", "MIDWEST PORTRAITS", and "THIS SINGING WORLD." Flanking this central section are additional book titles: "GRAVEN IMAGE", "BLUE WATER", "THE LIFE OF CALER CUS-" (partially obscured), and "RAW MATERIAL" on the left, and "LIFE OF CHRIST", "THE LOOKOUT-MAN", "THE BEST POEMS OF 1422", and "BARNUM" on the right. Each listing includes the book title, author, and a brief description or quote, sometimes with a price listed. Small illustrations accompany some of the listings. The paper is a cream color with visible signs of age, including yellowing and some discoloration, particularly along the edges. The bottom edge shows evidence of having been torn or removed from a larger publication. There are no discernible maker's marks or signatures on the paper itself, beyond the publisher's information and the publication title/date. The style suggests a publication from the early 20th century based on the titles and layout.
Appraisal Report
Upon visual examination of the provided image of a single page from "THE INTERNATIONAL INTERPRETER", dated December 15, 1133 (likely a typo for 1923, given the context of the listed books), I can assess its market value. The page, advertising books by HARCOURT, BRACE AND COMPANY, is in fair condition. The cream-colored paper shows significant signs of age including general yellowing, discoloration along the edges, and a torn bottom edge indicating it was removed from a larger bound volume. The print quality and layout are consistent with publications from the early 20th century. While the image suggests authenticity, physical examination would be necessary to confirm paper type, print method, and rule out modern reproductions, though the age-related wear strongly suggests originality. This item falls under the category of printed ephemera. Its value is primarily driven by its age, content (featuring prominent authors and titles of the era), and condition. Market demand for individual advertising pages from periodicals is generally low unless the content is exceptionally rare or linked to a highly collectible figure/event. While the Sandburg inclusion adds minor interest, this is not a first appearance and is found within a generic advertisement. Comparable items, such as single advertising pages from similar 1920s periodicals, typically trade for a few dollars, often as part of larger lots. The condition limits value further. Provenance documentation would be beneficial but is unlikely to significantly impact the value of this type of item. Scientific testing is unnecessary for this valuation.
Appraisal Value
$5-15