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22 January (edited)
2026-1-22 10:29:46 AM UTC
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THE HOBBIT
TOLKIEN, J.R.R.
32376777755
(Hardcover)
£250.00
Availability: OutOfStock


I like Tom, but this is a bit wild for a 1978 copy, right? I bought a VG+ copy two weeks ago for around €15. There is a copy in pretty similar condition on eBay for €120 (BIN) at the moment.
22 January
2026-1-22 11:08:57 AM UTC

Éarendel wrote:

This site uses affiliate links for which we may be compensated
THE HOBBIT
TOLKIEN, J.R.R.
32376777755
(Hardcover)
£250.00
Availability: OutOfStock


I like Tom, but this is a bit wild for a 1978 copy, right? I bought a VG+ copy two weeks ago for around €15. There is a copy in pretty similar condition on eBay for €120 (BIN) at the moment.


Given the faded spine, probably £30 - 40. If is were fine and completely unfaded, perhaps double that.

I have never seen a 1978 go for anything like this asking price, and nor would I expect to. It is neither especially old, nor particularly uncommon.
22 January
2026-1-22 2:08:38 PM UTC

The late Stu wrote:

Éarendel wrote:

This site uses affiliate links for which we may be compensated
THE HOBBIT
TOLKIEN, J.R.R.
32376777755
(Hardcover)
£250.00
Availability: OutOfStock


I like Tom, but this is a bit wild for a 1978 copy, right? I bought a VG+ copy two weeks ago for around €15. There is a copy in pretty similar condition on eBay for €120 (BIN) at the moment.


Given the faded spine, probably £30 - 40. If is were fine and completely unfaded, perhaps double that.

I have never seen a 1978 go for anything like this asking price, and nor would I expect to. It is neither especially old, nor particularly uncommon.

Spine is very badly faded, which is very common for these. I have all printings of the UK 4th Edition and didn't pay more than $100 for any of them and most were bought within the last two years.

5058_69722f4a648a9.jpeg 2813X2978 px
22 January
2026-1-22 6:56:31 PM UTC
Never saw any reason to buy significantly faded copies of these, as they were always so cheap. I think the most I paid was £20, but most were £10 - 15. I do need to replace the second of the 50th anniversary impressions as has a chip at the top of the spine -- and there is no reason to accept jacket defects at all on these, really. I bought that one about 20 years ago and got stiffed in the description!

5837_697272cdecd03.jpg 1863X1165 px
31 January (edited)
2026-1-31 4:59:56 PM UTC
One of the worst fraudulent signatures I've seen recently:

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Seller: harryshoes
(6851)
Ended Feb 3, 2026
This item ended more than 90 days ago
31 January
2026-1-31 5:06:49 PM UTC

Halbarad wrote:

One of the worst fraudulent signatures I've seen recently:

This site uses affiliate links for which we may be compensated
Seller: harryshoes
(6851)
Ended Feb 3, 2026
This item ended more than 90 days ago

Which one, the Tolkien signature looks fine to me, but I'm not that familiar with Swann or Elvin.
31 January
2026-1-31 5:22:30 PM UTC
I'm surprised, I don't feel like the Tolkien signature is even close. Happy to trust the collectors who have been at this longer than me, but the J and first R seem totally off to me among other things. Just comparing to a good signature below.

I'd love to get some other opinions.


5590_697e38f7c2d3e.jpg 1000X868 px
31 January
2026-1-31 5:26:21 PM UTC
They are not good comparisons, one is in biro and the second is a fountain pen.

I can say that I have seen Swann and Elvin's signatures and I can't see any issues with those either.
31 January
2026-1-31 5:41:47 PM UTC
From first glance I can't see any issues with all 3 signatures. JRRT's signature is different with a fountain pen. Also he had two main types of signature,but these,like virtually everyones evolved over time. JRRT's signature also changed if there was any time pressure. His worky-day signature used for official or ceremonial book signings (rare events) or writing his name in books in his study differ from when signing gifts etc when he would take more time,and I imagine pleasure in doing so. First glance mind.
31 January
2026-1-31 7:24:34 PM UTC
Thank you all for the feedback, @mods, feel free to delete these related posts since it seems I was mistaken 👍
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