Mr. Underhill wrote:

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JRR Tolkien The Silmarillion Signed And Numbered 372/500

146906910950

Seller: sarah-alice-x

(17)

Ended Oct 30, 2025

AU $5,000.00

If you look closely at the pictures, you can see some real problems with this copy. The signature page and the page before are covered in stains. Water damage or other humidity related issues, I assume (probably also the real cause of the marks on the slipcase). I'd run away from this copy unless it was very cheap. Also, seller with no feedback.

The late Stu wrote:

Mr. Underhill wrote:

This site uses affiliate links for which we may be compensated

JRR Tolkien The Silmarillion Signed And Numbered 372/500

146906910950

Seller: sarah-alice-x

(17)

Ended Oct 30, 2025

AU $5,000.00

If you look closely at the pictures, you can see some real problems with this copy. The signature page and the page before are covered in stains. Water damage or other humidity related issues, I assume (probably also the real cause of the marks on the slipcase). I'd run away from this copy unless it was very cheap. Also, seller with no feedback.

Hard to tell if the it's the camera lighting or not. The dealer has edited the listing to say it isn't damaged and the second picture provided is cleaner... I'd definitely ask for additional photos if I was serious about this one. Thankfully I already have a copy.

Mr. Underhill wrote:

Hard to tell if the it's the camera lighting or not. The dealer has edited the listing to say it isn't damaged and the second picture provided is cleaner... I'd definitely ask for additional photos if I was serious about this one. Thankfully I already have a copy.

It is clearly stained (at least when I view it on my screen).

remy wrote:

Mr. Underhill wrote:

Hard to tell if the it's the camera lighting or not. The dealer has edited the listing to say it isn't damaged and the second picture provided is cleaner... I'd definitely ask for additional photos if I was serious about this one. Thankfully I already have a copy.

It is clearly stained (at least when I view it on my screen).

Ya, I don't really have an answer as to why the photos are so different, can only assume the dealer is doctoring second photo...

I see stains also, and a bit of moisture.
The last image added is so much compressed that one can believe it was done on purpose to let compression artifacts hide the stains...
Like Stu, I would stay away from this copy unless it is listed for much much less.

The stains can still be seen on the last image. The white balance has just been run right up so they are less visible. The book is clearly suffering from the effects of moisture, even if the seller doesn't want to admit it. Buyer beware.

Looks nasty imo, also worried about what it’d mean for the longevity of the book’s condition as time progresses. I’d hold out for a future opportunity, personally.

The late Stu wrote:

The stains can still be seen on the last image. The white balance has just been run right up so they are less visible. The book is clearly suffering from the effects of moisture, even if the seller doesn't want to admit it. Buyer beware.

Looks moldy to me.

I don’t mind my books looking a little worn/well-loved, but for AU$5000 it better be perfect!

Mr. Underhill wrote:

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The Hobbit - 1st US Edition, 1938 - JRR Tolkien

167863331124

Seller: turgidtomes

(11459)

Ended Oct 20, 2025

This item ended more than 90 days ago

Sold for $820, has been relisted at auction by the same seller