I made this post in the Tolkien collectors Facebook group but thought I would try here as well:

I’m getting ready to take on a rather ambitious collecting milestone: putting together a complete 1954/55 set of The Lord of the Rings. My original dream was to track down first printings, but after seeing recent sales for a Fellowship of the Ring 1/1, I realize that goal may have to wait. For now, I’d be thrilled to settle on any 1954/55 copies.

My understanding is that the text underwent corrections and clarifications beginning in 1956, so I’d really like to read through the original text alongside History of Middle-earth vols. 6–9. I have been vigorously scouring online marketplaces and auctions but I thought I’d reach out here before purchasing from another medium: does anyone have 1954/55 copies they might be willing to sell?

Specifically:
Fellowship - Prints 2-4
TT - Prints 1-2
RoTK - First print

I would be looking to collect this set one book at a time as I am trying to keep it affordable. Overall condition is not important to me as long as the pages are in good shape. No dj with worn boards is fine with me as i intend to read these books rather than keep them stored on a shelf.

I know how collectible these books are, and that it may be unlikely someone is ready to part with theirs, but I figured it was worth asking this group of fellow collectors first — I’m not sure I can count myself as a collector yet, but I’m getting there.

Please let me know if you might have something that could work. Thanks very much!