Comments on: Harry Potter First Edition Ebay Scam

Comment on Harry Potter First Edition Ebay Scam by: blodders

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:10:47 +0000

First Edition Harry Potter books 1-7 plus original first day cover bag.

Book Description: Ted Smart (The Book People), London, 1998. Hard Cover. Book Condition: Very Good ++. Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good ++. Book Club. Third printing of this Ted Smart edition. Ted Smart is mail order only publisher who bought the rights to reissue the Harry Potter series and is identical in every way to the Bloomsbury edition, other than the publisher’s name. Interestingly it shows the author as Joanne Rowling on the copyright page. Bookseller Inventory # 000731

I suggested to a seller on Ebay that what they were selling was not a first edition and I got this reply -

I suggest you go to youtube and watch how to identify a first edition by exspert village before you make sweeping statements.

Comment on Harry Potter First Edition Ebay Scam by: Rod

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 18:33:09 +0000

James,
personally speaking, unless it was a true UK first of the first book, I’d say a replaced page renders the book as good as worthless.
It would be easy enough for anybody who knew what they were doing to detect it easily, I’ve seen it done many a time.
If it’s done and not declared then it’s potentially fraudulent, if it is declared them the value would be nominal - it would certainly be one for eBay as that would be the venue that would perhaps find a buyer.
Hope this helps
Rod

Comment on Harry Potter First Edition Ebay Scam by: James

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 17:22:46 +0000

Hi Rod,
I’m interested to know how much difference having repair done makes on a book’s value. I’m not referring to a book in bad condition, but a book with some damage which has been repaired skilfullly and professionally to be in good condition. For example, how much difference would it make to a book’s value if a missing page has been replaced with a page from a later edition? (to the extent that it’s been done so well, the repair would not be obvious).
Thanks,
James

Comment on Harry Potter First Edition Ebay Scam by: Rod

Sat, 03 Dec 2011 19:27:37 +0000

Scott,
interesting point, I’ve not seen this with a Rowling first though I have seen it done on a book once before, it was poorly executed so I spotted it.
I wouldn’t want to start any conspiracy theories but given the numbers of forged signatures there are out there (something unusual in the book world I might add) I’d be amazed if this has not been attempted.
Best,
Rod

Comment on Harry Potter First Edition Ebay Scam by: Scott

Sat, 03 Dec 2011 18:52:32 +0000

Since many HP first printings are unique only in their number line containing “1″ at the end, I am curious if there is much evidence of forgery where a second printing has had the valuable number added.

Comment on Harry Potter First Edition Ebay Scam by: Rod

Sun, 23 Oct 2011 07:46:03 +0000

Michael,
many of these o called issue points are simply more eBay nonsense.
People quote mistatkes in books and it excites ebayers into paying more when in fact every single copy is the same.
I’m afraid your book is just a reprint, in fact the 25th edition so . . .
Cheers
Rod

Comment on Harry Potter First Edition Ebay Scam by: Michael Banfield

Sun, 23 Oct 2011 05:51:18 +0000

Hi
Not sure if anyone is still reading this thread, but regardless.
I have had a look at a few guides to valuing a harry potter and the philosophers stone first edition.
My copy is a first edition 25th printing paperback (numbers 30 to 25 on the copyright page).
I assume this is worthless but i was suprised that it has all the other misprints/identifiers ie “1 wand” repeated on page 53, price of 4.99 pounds on the back.
Are these identifiers just saying its a first edition and not a first impression?
Does this make my copy worthless?

Comment on Harry Potter First Edition Ebay Scam by: Judy

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 06:58:45 +0000

Rod,
Once again, thanks for your help and advice.
Judy

Comment on Harry Potter First Edition Ebay Scam by: Rod

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 17:18:20 +0000

Judy,
the auction house wouldn’t really want it because it’s a reprint of course, the best price you’ll get for that is on eBay I’m sure - stick it on there with loads of pictures etc
Best
Rod

Comment on Harry Potter First Edition Ebay Scam by: Rod

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 17:16:19 +0000

Hi David,
I couldn’t really give opinions on prices such as you mention I’m afraid.
As regards a signature, I think an autographed photo or card added to a book adds no value to it whatsoever I’m afraid - it’s not the signature that’s of value per se but the fact it’s inside the actual book
Cheers
Rod