A fool and his money etc. (trying hard not to fall into this category myself )

If you have any Facsimile signed Tolkien books, now might be the time to sell them on eBay, £222 for a second printing 1964 Tree and Leaf

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/J-R-R-TOLKI ... ks_UK&hash=item416bd72baf

But you would have to list the item unethically under the title "J.R.R. TOLKIEN TREE AND LEAF POSSIBLY SIGNED ?????"

It is always a shame to see things like this sold for such ABSURD prices.

Being a second impression with no dust jacket, that book sold for about 10 times the price it should have actually gone for.

Very sad indeed.

Can't understand though why buyers don't do some basic checks i.e. search Google, before wasting this much money on a £10 at most book?

Just tried this, typed "tree leaf signed tolkien" into Google and Beren's article is second on list

http://www.tolkienlibrary.com/press/fascimilesignatures.htm

It's this sort of thing which can draw in the unwary, I think -

"There are supposedly a number of copies where a facsimiled signature is present. Personally I do not know. The only thing that points to it not be standard printed is that you can feel the indentation on the verso of the page, I have included a photo of the verso and the signature imprint shows through distinctly."

This can, I suppose, make some think it _might_ be a real signature, and worth a punt (what with signed Tolkien books being so valuable and all).

It'll be interesting to see if the new owner re-lists it at a fantastically higher price.