Hello! My grandfather recently moved and among the books he was not taking with him to his new home was this incredibly old and weathered copy of "Webster's National Pictorial Dictionary." This copy was apparently published/ printed in Dorchester, MA in August 10th, 1867. I have been unable to even find this version on any online database and am therefore unaware of it's value. It was such a beautiful book, I asked if I could take it off his hands instead of having him throw it away!
It's in terrible shape. The front cover is detached from the binding and the spine is in fragments, with pieces missing. I believe the cover page is missing, the first page being a Preface page labeled iii/iv (3/4). And unfortunately, the index of the pictorials at the end is missing 9 pages T-T.
However, despite the missing beginning and end pages, it seems like the majority of the pages are present. And while some pages have some tearing on the edges, the text is fully legible with no water damage and minimal dirt. The browning of the edges of the pages is minimal as well.
I don't intend to sell this at this moment. I can't imagine someone would buy it in this state anyway. However, I'm fascinated at how I can't find any other copy or record of this version anywhere! If needed, I want to restore and scan these pages so that other people can see how cool this version is. The appendices in particular are really interesting and amusing. I'm just hoping someone can help me find out if this version is valued or sought after. Maybe I can find the cover pages or the last 9 pages and make a complete version or something, I don't know. Thank you for any help you can offer!! :)
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You have a very interesting dictionary, and as a general rule, any vintage/antique pictorial edition is usually valuable in some way.
Maps, pictures, images, and diagrams are more sought after by more people than books with 'just words'. Especially when it is in this condition.
You might also try one of these sights just in case it is valuable.
You have a Webster's Dictionary of the English Language (1868) National Pictorial Dictionary
taweb.aichi-u.ac.jp/
In the American Phrenological Journal and Life Illustrated, volumes 47-48, 1868 on page 113 it says:
I found a description of Webster's National Pictorial Dictionary and in the Demorests' Monthly Magazine, Volume 2; Volumes 5-6, 1870.
I found an advertisement for Webster's National Pictorial Dictionary in The Daily Argus, Volume Twenty-Fourth Year, 3 May 1875
idnc.library.illinois.edu/
It looks like Webster's National Pictorial Dictionary has been out of print for years, and you have Webster's National Pictorial Dictionary in its first edition.
I don't think Webster's National Pictorial Dictionary can be more expensive than Webster's Unabridged Pictorial Dictionary since Webster's Unabridged Pictorial Dictionary contains 1500 illustrations.
1861 Websters Unabridged Pictorial Dictionary $171
castlerockconsignment.com/
1863 Websters Dictionary Unabridged Pictorial Edition $449
www.ebay.com/
1864 Websters Dictionary Unabridged Pictorial Edition
www.worthpoint.com/
1870 Webster's Dictionary Unabridged, New Illustrated Edition, 3000 Engravings, in not good condition at $125
www.ebay.com/
Wow! Thank you so much!! You did such a fantastic job with researching this!! I think it was a bit if a mental typo on my part when I, for some reason, though it said "international" instead if "national" oh well!
Dictionaries are only worth something if they are over 100 years old, as yours is. However, the poor condition and missing pages would negatively affect the value. I would take it to a dealer for a free verbal appraisal.
I don't think it is going to be worth much because of the condition and the missing pages, although it is interesting that you cannot find any other copies. It probably would be safest to contact an antique store specializing in old books before proceeding.
If you are interested in selling it in the future, your best bet might be to sell the pages individually for use in crafts or even in frames. The pages you have shown certainly have appeal.
Let us know what you find out.
You write "Webster's International Pictorial Dictionary" but your book named "Webster's National Pictorial Dictionary".
Webster's National Pictorial is mentioned here:
"Webster's New Illustrated Royal Quarto Dictionary, Unabridged: Reviews, Recommendations, &c. of Webster's Unabridged Dictionary ...
and Webster's National Pictorial ..."
1868
books.google.nl/
I found 1861 Webster's Unabridged Pictorial Dictionary at $171
castlerockconsignment.com/
Antique Antiquarian Websters Dictionary Illustrated Leather Bound 19th Century at GBP 95 / approximately US $116.76
www.ebay.com/
Antique 1863 Webster's Dictionary Unabridged Pictorial Ed. 1500 Illustrations at $765
www.ebay.com/
I think the value of your Webster's Pictorial dictionary is about $100.
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