A 500-year-old book published soon after Johannes Guttenberg invented the printing press turned up at an auction in Sandy, Utah, a few weeks ago. The owner of the book brought it to the auction in a plastic bag, saying it belonged to his great-uncle and was kept in the attic for years. The illustrated German-language book titled, "Nuremberg Chronicle," was published in 1493. Two-thirds of its pages was said to be missing and in poor condition, made of cotton bond paper not wood pulp. A tattered piece of history, but still worth up to $50,000 at auction.
Speaking of valuable book finds, I remember moving into a house on Knox Street in Marietta in the late '70s and finding hundreds of old books in the attic where people had moved away and left behind. Just never know what you may run across in those old attics.
Readers, a couple weeks ago in my column I told you about some of those old Washington County postcards scenes selling for high prices on eBay, especially the ones marked Fischer Studios, Front Street. Seven buyers on eBay were bidding on one titled, "Beverly, Ohio Boat Disaster," a real photo postcard with no date on it that sold for $432.80. A 1907 Lowell, Ohio, postcard depicting "The Canal Locks" sold for $148.50; another one showing "Lowell, Ohio Canal Boat Steamer" sold for $158.50.
Other local items sold at auction
Five Marietta uncirculated silver bullion rounds, five different designs, Fort Harmar, Campus Martius, Indian, eagle, $235.55.
1902 book, "Marietta Washington County History," $91.38.
History of Marietta and Athens County, by Charles Walker, $15.
1900 Marietta Ohio Century Review History (illustrated), $21.
BPOE Elks, Marietta photograph, $10.
Harmar Tavern matchbook cover, $1.
1949 Waterford Methodist Church worship bulletin, $8.
Postcard, Queen City and Virginia steamboats at Marietta, horse hitched to wagon in front of Curreys Livery Stable, $30.
1863 postcard P. Burkholder, dealer in groceries, confectionery and produce, Beverly, $76.
Postcard, flooded street scene and hardware store, Stockport, $20.
Aug. 9, 1951, Beverly Dispatch newspaper, $5.
Hand plane, A.C. Bartlett Tool Company, $5.
1881 Washington County history book with maps, 739 pages, published by H.Z. Williams & Brothers, $156.
Larry Koon is the author of several price guide books on antiques and collectibles. His column appears every Monday on Life. Send letters to Treasure in the Attic, c/o The Marietta Times, 700 Channel Lane, Marietta 45750; or e-mail him at koonantiques@yahoo.com.
When writing, send a complete description of the item, along with size, color, any markings on the item along with condition the item is in, and how the item was obtained, and any other information. If possible, send a photograph. Letters will be answered through this column.
