Rare Book, Map & Manuscript Valuations

Halls has an established book department headed up by Specialist Consultant Chris Moore.  We hold three specialist book sales a year.  During this time, we have sold all manner of books, from rare historical chronicles of 1560 to modern Harry Potter first editions.

The internet has brought great advantages: every lot is photographed and available to view online, together with the catalogue description. Our sales attract attention from all over the world.

Whilst tastes in book collecting change over the years the market for books illustrated with attractive engravings, those with leather bindings in morocco or calf, including sets of standard authors continue to do very well at auction, particularly if they are fine bindings by noted binders such as Riviere, Zaehnsdorf, or Sangorski and Sutcliffe and of course, rare and unusual items will always find buyers.

Quality books on natural history, travel, exploration, voyages, and children's and illustrated are always sought by collectors. The last few years have also seen an increase in the popularity of manuscript items. Manuscripts are by their very nature unique, and albums, commonplace books, diaries and journals find ready buyers, especially if they are illustrated.

Autograph letters by famous people are also in demand, as are signed photographs, although great care is taken authenticating these as fakes and facsimiles abound. Printed ephemera, once virtually ignored, now has many keen collectors. Maps, either framed or loose, are another area where good prices can be achieved. Whilst some maps are very common, the more unusual, such as early geological maps and plans of London, can do very well indeed.

Halls are one of the very few auction houses in the Midlands to hold regular sales of books. Their staff have the knowledge and expertise to value and catalogue collections and libraries, and Halls marketing team can ensure maximum publicity for choice items.

Book specialist Chris Moore is available on the first Monday of the month between 9am and 5pm, and at other times by appointment.  See our Valuation Days and Events page for more information.