I have a collection of around 100 magic books I would like to get an appraisal of value.

Please let me know of a good source of info about the values of magic books, and or some one who could look at a list for a ballpark figure for insurance. Is there someone who does this for a reasonable fee? Does the Magic Books.be web site have values?

Also, what details should I put in the list. I am starting with:
Title, Author, Topic, Edition/year, Cover, Condition, Signed, Value.

Thanks,
J.Manuel

J. -

I think you've got it covered so far as entry details go. If you are simply trying to get insurance, unless they are truly rare and/or really valuable books, your homeowners or renters insurance may already cover the books. Check with your agent.

Again, unless they are truly rare and/or really valuable books, a real appraisal isn't worth it.

Another good idea would be to photograph the books as they sit on the shelf.

Good luck, Clay

Thanks Clay,

I agree that I probably do not have any extra old or rare books, but I am half way thru making a list and have over 100 books, booklets, lecture notes, I guess are worth over $2,000 so far. I am wondering if there are any which are more valuable than I think. Like the Coinmagic book goes for over $100 on ebay some times, and other times it is much less. I may also sell some of them, so I am interested in an objective opinion of their value.

I've added the publisher info to the list.
Some are signed, but even the Slydini autographs are not that rare, but should add something.

I also may need an official appraisal to add a rider to my homeowners policy, if the value goes over $5,000.

Rare book dealers at times act as appraisers. Some of them are familiar with Magic Books, as they hold their value very well (the books, not the dealers).

Just a thought.

Michael Canicks Price Guide to Magic Books would be a good start. I am in the same situation as you except I have about 900 magic books and am currently ( finally) getting them cataloged and hope to get them appraised by Byron Walker of San Leandro Ca. who has the largest magic book collection owned by an individual. Do not know if he would come your way though,I could ask for you.
Rennie

Are yopu insuring for cost value or replacement value? If the later, then you need to save ebay auction prices to establish replacement value. Otherwise, the insurance co. is only interested in what you paid for it.

Well I finally got back to the task and came up with 200 books, booklets, and lecture notes, initial cost best guess is over $4000.

Unfortunately I do not have receipts for any I purchased at conventions with cash, so proving the "Worth" at cost is impossible. I was hoping that a review of the list by a professional would be enough for insurance purposes.

I do not have ebay records for similar books, but the values vary wildly. Like the books by Ricky Jay, Larry Becker, and W. Larsen. I have several from 1947, must have been a good year for magic book publishing.

Rennie,
While I cannot afford to fly anyone out for this, I would like to get my list reviewed. Please let me know if you talk to Mr. Walker and if he would be interested in doing a once over. I will look for the price guide, one more book to add to the list!

Thanks everyone for the help.

Check with Richard Hatch of http://www.magicbookshop.com He can give you some ideas.

I have conducted appraisals over the years and even though I have officially closed my magic book business, I perform the occasional appraisal. BTW, I came across a few copies of the first edition of my Price Guide to Magic Books, if anyone is interested.

Anyway, briefly, here are some issues to consider:

1. Appraisals can be done on site or on paper. Appraisers charge either by book, per hour or per job.

2. Uses for appraisals include insurance (as you mention) as well as valuation for donations, resale or for estate planning.

3. Regarding insurance, you should be very careful, since there are a number of technical details and insurers have been know to try to avoid paying claims, even though they might indicate a willingness to do so when you get the policy. You should get any details re. insurance from the insurer.

4. In terms of a rider on a homeowner's policy. First, be sure that the insurer will honor the appraisal and will recongnize the appraiser! Second, you'll have to decide if you are insuring for the amount you paid, the current replacement cost or future replacement cost (I know, this gets a bit complex). You'll also need to decide on how extensive the coverage is (i.e., under what circumstances the insurer will pay), what kind of deductible you have and a number of other issues.

FInally, I'd be glad to address some of these issues either here or privately, but I must tell you that my expertise is as a bookseller and appraiser, not as an insurer.
Hope this helps.

Michael Canick
canick@panix.com