A 1937 first edition, signed copy of JRR Tolkien's The Hobbit is set to appear as part of the UK auction of Literature, Manuscripts and Modern Firsts, which will be held on February 28 in London.
![]() The world record for a signed first edition of The Hobbit was set at Bonhams in 2008, when a copy inscribed to Elaine Griffiths, aka the Queen of Hobbits, sold for £60,000 ($90,000) |
Those looking to buy a copy will be surprised at the £4,000-6,000 ($6,000-9,000) estimate, with many other signed first editions selling far above this price due to the recent release of Peter Jackson's film The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.
That apparent discrepancy can be explained by the fact that the example at auction features a cut Tolkien signature that has been mounted on the inside.
It is complete with its original dust jacket and has been well preserved, housed in a custom drop-back box.
In January, a complete first edition set of the Lord of the Rings trilogy sold with a 60% increase on estimate, joined by a file copy of The Hobbit, which sold for £3,200 ($5,066).
Paul Fraser Collectibles has a brilliant selection of rare books and manuscripts for sale.