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#WorthPointInsights #AuctionTrends #Collectibles #HarryPotterFirstEdition #LiteraryHistory #ChineseSnuffBottles #AntiqueCollecting #IvoryCarving #ArtAuctions #eBayFinds #RareBooks #CollectibleTreasures #WorthPointCEO #AuctionsUncovered #DiscoverValuePreserve
Will Seippel, CEO of WorthPoint, recently shared his insights on some standout auction sales from the company’s Industry Partners. His commentary offers valuable perspectives on buying and selling trends, helping collectors navigate the market with confidence. Here’s a summary of his thoughts on several notable sales:
A First Edition Find: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
Seippel highlighted a recent eBay sale of a first edition Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone for $40,000. This UK edition, published under Joanne Rowling’s name before she became known as J.K. Rowling, is extremely rare, with only 500 copies initially printed—200 for distribution and 300 for libraries. Library copies often show wear, and this one was no exception, but Seippel believes the buyer got a steal at $40,000. Other near-mint copies have fetched upwards of $120,000 at auctions like Goldin, though a $148,000 eBay listing was likely relisted without a sale. This sale underscores the enduring value of rare literary first editions.
A Unique Piece: Chinese Snuff Bottles
Eldred’s recent auction of Chinese snuff bottles caught Seippel’s attention. These intricately carved bottles, traditionally used to hold snuff, are highly collectible. The auction featured 99 items, grossing $33,299 in total. The top lot was a finely carved white jade gourd-shaped bottle adorned with vines, leaves, and a butterfly, which sold for $3,200. While this price was modest compared to record-breaking sales—such as $85,000 at Doyle’s in 2017 and $67,000 at Freeman’s in 2011—Seippel praised Eldred’s for showcasing these unique pieces in a focused sale, which appealed to serious collectors.
Could Be Ivory: Japanese Heron Carving
Seippel’s favorite sale of the day was a 23-inch tall carving of a heron sold at Big Al’s for just $460. Though cataloged as bone, Seippel suspects it could be Japanese ivory, given its exceptional craftsmanship. The piece appeared to be hand-carved in sections and expertly assembled, making it a standout in Seippel’s collection of antique Japanese figures and netsukes. He considers it a bargain and plans to set up alerts for similar treasures on WorthPoint, emphasizing the value of such unique, high-quality finds.
WorthPoint’s Data Insights
Seippel also shared that WorthPoint recently added 257,907 items to its Price Guide, bringing the total value of the database to $22,131,979—approximately $85.81 per lot. While eBay remains a significant source of data, its contribution is decreasing as WorthPoint diversifies its focus. Seippel’s commentary reflects WorthPoint’s mission to empower collectors with comprehensive data and insights, helping them make informed buying and selling decisions.
About Will Seippel
Will Seippel, the founder, president, and CEO of WorthPoint, has been an avid collector since 1974 and a dealer of antiques since 1984, with a particular focus on ephemera. He also created HIP, a website dedicated to preserving historical imagery. His passion for collecting and deep industry knowledge make his insights invaluable for both novice and experienced collectors.
WorthPoint’s Mission
WorthPoint’s motto—Discover. Value. Preserve.—reflects its commitment to helping collectors uncover treasures, understand their worth, and preserve their history. By providing access to a vast database of auction results and market trends, WorthPoint empowers collectors to navigate the antiques and collectibles market with confidence.
Seippel’s commentary on these sales highlights the diversity and allure of the collectibles market, from rare books and intricate carvings to historical objets d’art. His insights offer a glimpse into the evolving trends and enduring appeal of collecting, making WorthPoint an essential resource for enthusiasts and professionals alike.
