Early baseball book question

[mushroomnob]

Yesterday I picked up an early baseball book titled:Baseball ABC produced by Mcloughlin Bros in 1885.Book has great early baseball illustrations very colorful.I was unable to find any info as to value or rarity.Any information about this book would be appreciated.I"m sorry I normally would post photos but my camera is not working at this time.


Thanks
Dave

[barrysloate]

Dave- it is actually quite rare and valuable. How is the condition?

[mushroomnob]

Barry,The front cover and bock cover are ok but not great.The pages are all intact are very nice.I'm not book expert.I will try to get some photos soon. Thanks
Dave

[jcmtiger]

Nice pickup, Barry is right, book is valuable and scarce.
Joe

[barrysloate]

When the market for books were strong, a clean copy that didn't have any major problems would be worth around $2500-3000. Using that as a guide, deduct something for the condition problems, as well as the fact that the book market isn't what it used to be. But that particular volume is still in demand, partly because the McLoughlin Bros. were among the finest of the late 19th century lithographers.

[mushroomnob]

Thanks for all the information.I really liked the book and had no idea as to the value.

Thanks
Dave

[barrysloate]

For collectors of early baseball books, the ABC book is a bit of a prize, and there aren't too many copies still around. Is there a story behind this? Did the seller realize what he or she had?

[mushroomnob]

I picked it up yesterday while I was on a antique shop run.I paid 20 bucks for it.It was in a box with other paper items not sports related.

Dave

[barrysloate]

That's an amazing find Dave. You would think an antique dealer would research it a little more. It would be great if you could post a picture of it.

[Rob D.]

Nice pickup, Dave. It's always fun to read about finds like this. Congrats.