The Collector; a Monthly Magazine for Autograph and Historical Collectors (Volume XI:1-11)

Quarto. A complete issue of the 1895-1896 issue of Walter Benjamin's marvelous magazine for the serious collector. Early copies are rare. For instance, the New York Historical Library has only the last issue, no. 11 of Volume XV. This copy according to OCLC is lacking also at the Peabody Essex. Laid in is a letter from The Circle [and Success] 1ALS, 1 page, from (Mrs. E. M. S. Fite (?) to A. Weiffenbach referring the inquirer to the Collector (notes issues can be purchased from Walter R. Benjamin). In the January 1908 issue of the Circle, they have on page. 32 a section of inquiries for the collector. Walter Benjamin answers that a typical signature of Andrew Jackson was in the 50 cents to 1.00 range though if a letter $2.00 and more if of special historical note. This is especially amplified in the Collector magazine where prices noted by Benjamin or rarely more than a few dollars. He notes exceptions with a description in very small print, e.g., Each issue has notes of libraries that came on the market or of author's discussing their signature. Rudyard Kipling on the use of a name in Mulvaney; William Dean Howells on why he only will sign for people who have read his book an evinced some knowledge of the fact, he notes the Griswold sale where Poe manuscripts sold for $50 to $72 and in a later volume note that a hand drawn survey by George Washington was available for $75. There are articles in each issue on bookplates with examples. Bound in 3/4 maroon morocco over marbled paper covered boards flat spine lettered in gilt, light rubbing to joints. A very good copy.…