Rare Harry Potter novels fetch eye-watering sum at auction dedicated solely to boy wizard
RARE Harry Potter novels fetched £151,700 at the first book auction dedicated solely to the boy wizard.
One 1997 first edition hardback of the Philosopher’s Stone — bought from a WHSmith — sold for £85,000, while another went for £45,000.
Two paperbacks of the same story fetched £12,000 each, while another example reached £6,000, despite a battered cover and staining.
Thirteen books sold in total.
Jim Spencer, of Rare Book Auctions, Lichfield, Staffs, said: “This sale’s been hugely exciting.
“The first auction dedicated solely to Harry Potter books not only broke records in terms of the number of registered bidders and watchers on the world’s major global bidding platform [the-saleroom.com].
“There are thousands of worldwide auctions listed at any one time – but in the hammer prices achieved.
“We’ve had cast-signed books, uncorrected proofs and paperbacks many times over the years, but this sale soared to new heights.
“We worked really hard to pitch this event perfectly, so it’s a huge relief that everything clicked into place.
“The 13 books are now winging their way to new homes across the UK, the USA and the United Arab Emirates.
“It’s taken a lot of miles out on the road, visiting people far and wide to secure the 13 lots that made up this very small, specialist sale.
“I was always keen to let Harry stand up on his own in this way, and the results have shown how enthusiastically the market welcomes these books.
“Bids were pouring in from all over the world for this auction in the heart of England.
“I’ve met some amazing people with moving stories to tell, so the best thing is to know we’ve done them proud.”