Expert: Mark Smith - 5/24/2004

Question
I have a small (2 1/2" X 4") New Testament Bible that was published in 1908 by License of the Royal Family ... The following statement is printed on the 3rd or 4th page of the Bible ... I have typed it exactly like the printed page ...

“LICENCE.

In terms of Her Majesty's Letters Patent to Her Printers for Scotland, and of the Instructions issued by Her Majesty in Council, dated Eleventh July, Eighteen Hundred and Thirty-nine, I hereby license and Authorise WILLIAM COLLINS, SONS AND COMPANY LIMITED to Print and Publish, as by the by the Authority of His Majesty, an Edition of The New Testament, in Nonpareil Type, Quadragesimo-octave size, to consist of Five Thousand Copies, as  proposed in their declaration, dated the Fifteenth day of April, Nineteen Hundred and Eight, the terms and conditions of the said Instructions being always and in all points fully complied with and observed by the said WILLIAM COLLINS, SONS, AND COMPANY LIMITED.  Dated at London, the Twelfth day of May, Nineteen Hundred and Eight.


THO. SHAW.”


Any thoughts as to how rare this Bible may be, or if it has any significant value would be appreciated.

On the 2nd page there is a typed insert awarding this Bible to a young girl for progressing to "Primary Department" in Sunday School ... that is dated "October 3d, 1926".

thanks

eldon thompson
Tollhouse  CA


Answer
Hello Eldon. I'm no expert on antiquarian books, but I doubt if it's worth very much. It's less than 100 years old and 5000 copies were printed, so it's not a rare volume. It would be best to contact an antiquarian bookseller and give him the details, hopefully he will be able to give you some idea of its value. The Bible is the most commonly reproduced book in the English language.
Mark