Not the best condition, but one does not see the 4th state LotR boxset 1959-1960 (linen covered) so often.
Not the best condition is putting it mildly, that box might fall apart in transit to whomever buys it. Looks like it could possibly have mold as well.
Sure, but still a scarce sight. I'm not sure that the crease on the top really makes the box that much fragile (I have a copy of this one, and it's by far the sturdiest box I own—much sturdier than the other states of this set for instance, not to mention the more recent editions.) That doesn't change the fact that it's not in good looking condition, we'll all agree on that.
Definitely not common, I would just have concerns about the water damage and possible mold at the corners of the box. Looks like this item has been kept in a very damp environment. When boxes get wet and then dry and then get wet again, over time it can weaken the structural integrity and make them very brittle and subject to warping (as seen here). But you're right about the 4th state box being the sturdiest.
It went cheap for a 1st edition boxed set, so I'd say ppeople agreed on the condition.
I thought the opposite, I can't believe someone paid over $600 for this moldy/water damaged/warped item. Condition is the number one factor in determining a book's value or at least it used to be...
Edited by Mr. Underhill on 2026-5-4 1:26:48 PM UTC
2026-5-4 1:24:50 PM UTC
Mr. Underhill wrote:
Luckyshot wrote:
Mr. Underhill wrote:
Emilien wrote:
Mr. Underhill wrote:
Emilien wrote:
Not the best condition, but one does not see the 4th state LotR boxset 1959-1960 (linen covered) so often.
Not the best condition is putting it mildly, that box might fall apart in transit to whomever buys it. Looks like it could possibly have mold as well.
Sure, but still a scarce sight. I'm not sure that the crease on the top really makes the box that much fragile (I have a copy of this one, and it's by far the sturdiest box I own—much sturdier than the other states of this set for instance, not to mention the more recent editions.) That doesn't change the fact that it's not in good looking condition, we'll all agree on that.
Definitely not common, I would just have concerns about the water damage and possible mold at the corners of the box. Looks like this item has been kept in a very damp environment. When boxes get wet and then dry and then get wet again, over time it can weaken the structural integrity and make them very brittle and subject to warping (as seen here). But you're right about the 4th state box being the sturdiest.
It went cheap for a 1st edition boxed set, so I'd say ppeople agreed on the condition.
I thought the opposite, I can't believe someone paid over $600 for this moldy/water damaged/warped item. Condition is the number one factor in determining a book's value or at least it used to be...
Have to agree with Mr. Underhill. I would not want this item in the vicinity of books in my collection. There are enough of these books around that it's not necessary to buy ones with mould.
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