How does one give proper care to vintage collectible books?
Asked by
mazingerz88 (
28824
)
July 31st, 2019
from iPhone
What are some of the do’s and don’ts in collecting and preserving very old books?
Also if the collector wants to put his mark of ownership in the book without devaluing the book too much for potential resale in the future, how should one do it sensibly?
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7 Answers
Possibly wrap the books in Saran wrap. But most of all, protect the dust covers! They can be worth more than the book!
To mark the book, insert a business (type) card.
I have a very old book, printed in 1865, that I made a dust cover for out of brown wrapping paper.
Maybe you could mark it on page 10 (or whatever) as yours.
Keep them from exposure to sun.
Protect them from humidity. Old books are particularly susceptible to mold.
Don’t touch the pages with your bare hands.
Keep in an area that gets air circulation.
I have a few from 1700’s +
I keep them out in the open ( no sun on them of course) on the bookshelf with all my other books.
I don’t cover them. I leave them as is.
I purchased them from Haye on Wye in Europe ( near Cardiff border to Wales).
They had thousands of old books under tarps out side and managed to keep them all in tact.
https://www.solosophie.com/hay-on-wye-book-town-wales-guide/
@Inspired_2write But if they’re fragile, then maybe they need vaccum sealing? I don’t know. Why do all those experts in my last post say to vaccum seal.
Fantastic! Wish I could go to a festival on Haye on Wye someday soon.
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