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1957-1962, Rare Georges Braque 'Au Vent d'Arles' Archive Books and Lithographs
By Georges Braque
Located in Paris, FR
Extremely rare set of Georges Braque archives maquettes books and lithographs created with the
Category

Vintage 1950s French Modern Books

Materials

Paper

1965 Harper's Bazaar - Cover by David Montgomery
Located in London, GB
Very Rare 1965 Harper's Bazaar "Ireland on the Move", August issue, 70 pages, in color and black
Category

1960s British Fashion

Les Confessions French Antique Books by J-J ROUSSEAU Leather Bound 3 Volumes
Located in Boston, MA
-230 pages each. Rare. Only one set available.
Category

1910s French Book and Adaptations

Of Gardens; Four Books by Rene Rapin & John Evelyn the Younger
Located in Middletown, NY
RARE: John Evelyn the Younger's first book, rare first issue with title date 1672. Rapin, René
Category

Antique 17th Century English Books

Materials

Leather, Paper

Alexandre Reza Dreams of Yesterday Realities of To-Day Book by Arlette Seta 1985
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Alexandre Reza, a Paris-based jeweler known for his diverse and rare collection of precious gemstones. Large
Category

20th Century French Couture

Very Early Illustrated Book on Birds, Giovanni P. Olina: "Uccelliera", 1622
Located in Middletown, NY
was considered quite rare "because of the use that many lovers of hunting have made of it." (p.357
Category

Antique Early 17th Century Italian Books

Materials

Leather, Paper

Contemporary French Tapestries, rare and collectible coffee table book, 1966
Located in View Park, CA
A very rare and collectible coffee table catalogue: Contemporary French Tapestries: New York
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Books

Materials

Paper

Milne, A. A. Winnie the Pooh, 'Specimen Page, 1926'
Located in Hillsborough, NJ
GOOD condition. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: This is a rare four page promotional leaflet advertising
Category

Vintage 1920s British Books

Materials

Paper

ORIGINAL 1ST EDITION 1962 BRIAN WILDSMITH SiGNED ABC CHILDREN'S BOOK
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this very rare, highly
Category

Vintage 1960s English Mid-Century Modern Books

Materials

Paper

British Textile Design, V&A, London, 1980, Gakken, Tokyo, 3 Volumes
Located in San Francisco, CA
A very rare set of three folio size books on the textile collection at the Victoria and Albert
Category

Late 20th Century English Books

Materials

Paper

Die Fouquet, 1860-1960: Schmuck-Kunstler in Paris, 1st Ed
Located in valatie, NY
recreation of the shop of Georges Fouquet. Rare hardcover 1st ed of a very important monograph about the
Category

Vintage 1980s German Books

Materials

Paper

Battersea Enamels Selected & Described With an Intro. By Egan Mew, Signed 1st Ed
Located in valatie, NY
Medici Society, London, 1926. Rare Signed 1st Ed hardcover, inscribed by the author with a 2 page letter
Category

Vintage 1920s Books

Materials

Paper

Venetian Art Glass: An American Collection 1840- 1970 by Marino Barovier (Book)
Located in North Yorkshire, GB
Rare glass objects from the latter half of the nineteenth century illustrate the beginnings of the
Category

20th Century Books

Materials

Paper

David Hockney Hand Signed First Edition Book Pictures by David Hockney, 1979
By David Hockney
Located in Studio City, CA
prominent British artist. Thus quite rare and hard to find. The book is signed and personally inscribed
Category

Vintage 1970s American Modern Books

Materials

Paper

1952 Life Magazines Bound Volume, Incl Marilyn Monroe Issue, Jan-Jun 13 Issues
Located in New York, NY
famous for it's article on UFOs. Extremely rare issue, as this one is the International Edition. Another
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Books

Materials

Paper

Set of Seven Leather Volumes of Daniel De Foe's Works
By George Bell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A rare set of Daniel Defoe's works published in 1878 by George Bell & son's in London. George Bell
Category

Antique 1870s English Other Books

Materials

Leather, Paper

ESPRIT: The Making of an Image book by Helie Robertson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Toscani's photographs, Ettore Sottsass's shop designs, and Tamotsu Yagi's book design. A very rare 1985
Category

Late 20th Century Post-Modern Books

Materials

Paper

1955 Hickory Dickory Dock
By Agatha Christie
Located in Bath, GB
Christie's works are vanishingly scarce, with this being a rare example. From the library of Rolling Stone
Category

Vintage 1950s British Books

Materials

Paper

1955 Hickory Dickory Dock
1955 Hickory Dickory Dock
H 7 in W 1 in D 5 in
London After Midnight by Marie Coolidge Rask, Photoplay Edition, 1928
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
, along with hundreds of other rare early films, making it one of the most sought-after “lost” silent
Category

Vintage 1980s American Art Deco Books

Materials

Leather, Paper

Vintage Warhol Basquiat Boxing Cover 'Brutus'
By Jean-Michel Basquiat
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Rare vintage 1997 Brutus magazine (Japan) exploring the history of Basquiat and documenting the
Category

Vintage 1980s Books

Materials

Paper

Paris Couture Années Trente (exhibition catalogue) - French designers 1930'S
Located in London, GB
Rare Catalogue showcasing the major French fashion designers of the 1930's. a great resource of the
Category

Vintage 1980s Books

Materials

Paper

Frankenstein by Mary W. Shelley, Photoplay Grosset & Dunlap Edition, 1931
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
first edition of Frankenstein was published anonymously in London, 1818, and is exceedingly rare. An
Category

Vintage 1930s American Books

Materials

Leather, Paper

Meubles et Sièges du XVIII Siècle by André Theunissen, Limited, Numbered 1st Ed
Located in valatie, NY
craftsmen. Very rare original, numbered 1st edition. NPT Books a division of N.P. Trent Antiques has a large
Category

Vintage 1930s French Books

Materials

Paper

Kishin Shinoyama, John Lennon & Yoko Ono, Double Fantasy, Signed Limited Edition
By Yoko Ono 1, Kishin Shinoyama
Located in Los Angeles, CA
, Shinoyama is particularly recognized for his work with pop icons and celebrities, and the rare, private
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Books

Materials

Other

Lewis CARROLL: Sylvie and Bruno & Sylvie and Bruno Concluded; illustr. FIRST Ed.
Located in Middletown, NY
Illustrations by Harry Furniss. ** Contains a RARE LOOSE SHEET CIRCULAR, printed on wove paper with no border or
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Books

Materials

Gold Leaf

" Munch " Expressionist Hardcover Art Book First Edition 1990 by David Loshak
By Edvard Munch
Located in North Hollywood, CA
, will give pleasure to its readers for many years to come. This " Munch " rare first edition vintage
Category

Late 20th Century Norwegian Books

Materials

Paper

Pierre Jeanneret / Le Corbusier "The Indian Adventure" Book About Chandigarh
By Pierre Jeanneret, Le Corbusier
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare and collectable book about the Pierre Jeanneret & Le Corbusier's "The Indian Adventure" in
Category

2010s French Mid-Century Modern Books

Materials

Paper

VALENTINO - André Leon Talley - 1st edition, Milan, 1982
Located in London, GB
and Valentino archives’ general offering of rare couture sketches, many of them have never been seen
Category

Vintage 1980s Books

Materials

Paper

VALENTINO - André Leon Talley - 1st edition, Milan, 1982
VALENTINO - André Leon Talley - 1st edition, Milan, 1982
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H 13.59 in W 9.06 in D 0.79 in
Vaughan's Sermons, 1873-1874
By Rev. James Vaughan
Located in valatie, NY
Numbered", "The Light of the World" and many more. Very rare and scarce.NPT Books a division of N.P. Trent
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Books

Materials

Leather

Vaughan's Sermons, 1873-1874
Vaughan's Sermons, 1873-1874
H 7.5 in W 5.25 in D 1.5 in
Canterbury Cathedral: First Edition, The Antiquities Of Canterbury By Somner
Located in London, GB
An extremely rare first edition: William Somner, The antiquities of Canterbury. Or a survey of that
Category

Antique 17th Century English Books

Materials

Leather, Paper

Gustav Stickley – Craftsman Homes, Gramercy Hardcover Book 1995
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Philadelphia, PA
. Reproduced in this book is a rare promotional pamphlet called The Craftsman’s Story. Hardbound with Dust
Category

1990s American Arts and Crafts Books

Materials

Paper

George Cruikshank's Magazine – 2 issues
Located in Middletown, NY
VERY RARE, complete run (2 issues) of the illustrated George Cruikshank's Magazine, with all four
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Books

Materials

Leather, Paper

George Cruikshank's Magazine – 2 issues
George Cruikshank's Magazine – 2 issues
H 8.75 in W 5.63 in D 0.75 in
Geneva Bible, Christopher Barker, London, Dated 1599
Located in Southbury, CT
Geneva Bible is known for its quality and accuracy. This edition is the rare and highly coveted edition
Category

Antique Early 17th Century English Books

Materials

Leather, Paper

Geneva Bible, Christopher Barker, London, Dated 1599
Geneva Bible, Christopher Barker, London, Dated 1599
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H 9 in W 7 in D 2.5 in
Fashion Theory Hardcover by Carol Digrappa 1st Edition 1980s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
subject of fashion in depth.First edition and first printing. Rare in Hardcover. A collection of
Category

Late 20th Century Post-Modern Books

Materials

Paper

The Microcosm of London; or London in Miniature
Located in Middletown, NY
Rowlandson's first and most famous color-plate book, rare to find in an early state as so many copies were
Category

Antique Early 19th Century English Books

Materials

Leather, Paint, Paper

Francois Linke 1855-1946, the Belle Epoque of French Furniture by C Payne (Book)
Located in North Yorkshire, GB
. The appendices give a rare insight into the technical processes and materials involved in the
Category

Early 20th Century Books

Materials

Paper

Cecil Beaton's Fair Lady - Cecil Beaton - 1st US edition, 1964
Located in London, GB
. Hardback English text. This rare and beautiful book charts the journey of the film My Fair Lady’s creation
Category

Vintage 1960s Books

Materials

Paper

Voltaire's Candide True First Edition & First London Edition
Located in Savannah, GA
A rare example of a first edition Candide, published in Geneva by Cramer, 1759. 299pp. Woodcut
Category

Antique 1750s Swiss Books

Materials

Leather, Paper

Softbound Program 1958 Film Francais by Bernard Buffet
By Bernard Buffet
Located in San Diego, CA
A very rare "Film Francais" softbound program featuring original artwork from Bernard Buffet, circa
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Books

Materials

Paper

Malerische Ansichten / Picturesque Views (of first railway lines in Slovenia)
Located in Middletown, NY
percalline covers, cloth spine. A rare collection of views of the Ljubljana-Celje railway section
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Austrian Books

Materials

Paper

Puzzle in Poison, by Anthony Berkeley
Located in Middletown, NY
A classic of mystery literature by one of the Masters, in a very rare intact dust jacket
Category

Mid-20th Century American Books

Materials

Paper

Puzzle in Poison, by Anthony Berkeley
Puzzle in Poison, by Anthony Berkeley
H 8 in W 5.5 in D 1.13 in
Light, Lamps 1968-1973, New Italian Design 1st Edition 2002
Located in London, GB
1st Edition 2002 by Ferrari Fulvio published by Umberto Allemandi text English A very rare and
Category

Early 2000s Books

Materials

Paper

Looking Good a Guide for Men, Charles Hix and Bruce Weber 1st Edition 1977
Located in London, GB
in "Top Gun." Condition: Very rare to find a copy in this condition which is very good, slight
Category

Vintage 1970s American Books

Materials

Paper

Charlie Mackesy The Boy, the Mole, the Fox & the Horse SIGNED set - 1st Edition
By Charlie Mackesy
Located in London, GB
A very rare complete collection of signed true First edition / First Print of all five published
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Books

Materials

Paper

Epic of America by Jt Adams First Edition Re-Print
Located in Dallas, TX
PRESENTING A RARE EDITION hardback copy of The Epic of America by James Truslow Adams, Illustrated
Category

Early 20th Century American American Classical Books

Materials

Paper

Alexandre Reza Dreams of Yesterday Realities of To-Day Book by Arlette Seta 1985
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Alexandre Reza, a Paris-based jeweler known for his diverse and rare collection of precious gemstones. Large
Category

Late 20th Century French Baroque Books

Materials

Paper

Maison Jansen Decoration 1st Edition 1971
Located in London, GB
rare 1971 publication in both French and English about the famous interior decoration firm based in
Category

Vintage 1970s Books

Materials

Paper

Maison Jansen Decoration 1st Edition 1971
Maison Jansen Decoration 1st Edition 1971
H 11.23 in W 10.04 in D 1.19 in
Le Corbusier Salubra Wallpaper Book Second Edition 1959
By Le Corbusier
Located in München, BY
Second Salubra collection by Le Corbusier - 1959 Very rare and collectible. Original sample book
Category

Vintage 1950s French Books

Materials

Fabric, Paper

C Plinii Caecilii Secundi Epistolae Et Panegyricus, 1712
Located in Dallas, TX
Presenting a very rare and ‘old’ antiquarian book, C Plinii Caecilii Secundi Epistolae et
Category

Antique Early 18th Century Italian Classical Roman Books

Materials

Leather, Paper

From Marseille to New York 1940-1945, French/English Book, by Bernard Noel, 1985
By Modern History
Located in Atlanta, GA
12.19 in (30 x 31 cm). Published in 1985 by Editions Andre Dimanche. This is a rare find. This book will
Category

Vintage 1980s French Modern Books

Materials

Paper

The Son of Tarzan First Edition
By Edgar Rice Burroughs
Located in Dallas, TX
Presenting a gloriously rare book …. The Return of Tarzan First Edition by Edgar Rice Burroughs
Category

Early 20th Century American Romantic Books

Materials

Paper

The Son of Tarzan First Edition
The Son of Tarzan First Edition
H 7.6 in W 5.3 in D 1.25 in
Works of Shakespere Imperial Edition by Charles Knight Vol i with Golden Edges
Located in Doha, QA
This unique book is very rare and terrific edition which goes back to late 19th century
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English High Victorian Books

Materials

Gold

Basquiat Man Made Sotheby's exhibition catalog 2013 (Basquiat Sotheby's S/2)
By Jean-Michel Basquiat
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Basquiat Man Made exhibition catalog 2013: Rare 2013 exhibition catalog to Sotheby's S/2 Basquiat
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Books

Materials

Paper

Jean-Michel Basquiat Quintana Gallery Exhibition Catalog, 1998
By Jean-Michel Basquiat
Located in Brooklyn, NY
. Somewhat rare. First edition. Illustrated in color. 68 pages. Very good overall vintage condition
Category

Vintage 1980s Books

Materials

Paper

1894-1949 The Yellow Book: An Illustrated Quarterly
By Aubrey Beardsley
Located in Bath, GB
the 1894-97 volumes with the very rare dust wrapper for this. Illustrations include title-page
Category

Early 20th Century British Books

Materials

Paper

“The Machine – Museum of Modern Art New York” Book by K.G. Pontus Hulten 1968
By MOMA Museum New York
Located in San Diego, CA
A very rare and cool book, “The Machine – As Seen at the End of the Mechanical Age'" by K.G. Pontus
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Books

Materials

Aluminum

Tom, Jerry, and Logic or Life in London by Pierce Egan
Located in Middletown, NY
A RARE Caledonian Theatre pamphlet, with witty satirical color plates in the Cruikshank style. Tom
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Scottish Books

Materials

Gold Leaf

Keith Haring, Gallery 56 Geneva 1990 'Vintage Keith Haring Exhibition Catalog'
By (after) Keith Haring
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Rare 1990 Haring exhibition catalog published on the occasion of Keith Haring, Gallery 56, Geneva
Category

Vintage 1980s Books

Materials

Paper

Nicaraguan Antiquities by Carl Bovallius, c.1970
Located in San Francisco, CA
**RARE** Nicaraguan Antiquities by Carl Bovallius From the Swedish Society of Anthropology and
Category

Mid-20th Century Nicaraguan Books

Materials

Paper

Saved: My Picture World
By Rizzoli International Publications
Located in New York, NY
People—a passion that manifests in a collection of rare film stills showing large-brain aliens with
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Books

Materials

Paper

Saved: My Picture World
Saved: My Picture World
H 12.3 in W 10.4 in D 1 in
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Very Rare Books For Sale on 1stDibs

Find a variety of very rare books available on 1stDibs. Frequently made of wood, hardwood and animal skin, all very rare books available were constructed with great care. Very rare books have been produced for many years, with earlier versions available from the 19th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century. Victorian, Art Deco and Mid-Century Modern very rare books are consistently popular styles. Very rare books have been a part of the life’s work for many furniture makers, but those produced by Harrods, Kennedy Furniture For Harrods London and James Thrall Soby are consistently popular.

How Much are Very Rare Books?

The average selling price for at 1stDibs is $4,000, while they’re typically $285 on the low end and $10,387 highest priced.
Questions About Very Rare Books
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Emeralds are quite rare. This gemstone is rarer and more expensive than a diamond.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023
    Birkins are so rare because of a range of factors. Each is handmade by a single expert craftsperson at the celebrated French luxury house Hermès, so this is going to limit how many can be produced in a year. A limited assortment of leathers and colors is released annually, and bags made in exotic skins such as lizard, ostrich and porosus and niloticus crocodile are exceedingly rare. Demand for the bags is astronomically high because the Birkin, which debuted in 1984, is considered an iconic design and is a coveted item all over the world. Additionally, customers are required to have a purchase history with Hermès in order to buy a new Birkin, and the company only allows boutiques to purchase a specified number of Birkins bi-annually. And Birkins are among the most expensive handbags in the world, so this isn’t an accessory that you’re going to see everyday. Shop an assortment of Hermès Birkin bags on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021
    A book holder is a stand that supports books so they stay open to be read aloud or to hold a page. A variety of book holders, book stands and books can be found on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A book box is a small box that plays a trick on the eye. On the outside, it is painted to look like a book, but on the inside is a carved out interior, meant to store your trinkets and wares. On 1stDibs, find a collection of book boxes from some of the world’s top sellers.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
    A vellum book is made from the parchment of calfskin. Vellum-bound books have been treasured for generations for their subtle, graceful appearance. Find a collection of antique and vintage vellum books on 1stDibs today.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
    A book chain is a type of antique Victorian jewelry designed for lockets, cameos, chains, and necklaces. Each link in a book chain is a rectangular folded piece of metal that resembles a book and is made of solid gold or sterling silver. During the late Art Deco era of the 1930s and 1940s, book chain jewelry was popular during the Victorian jewelry resurgence (“Victorian Revival”). Shop for vintage jewelry from all over the world on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Taschen is a noted art book publisher from Cologne, Germany. Taschen was founded in 1980 and has transformed the art book world by making some lesser-seen works and even categories of art available to a broader market. Shop a collection of art books from the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    In general, the Rolex Daytona models are rare because the luxury Swiss watchmaker only produces limited runs of each one. Some models are rarer than others due to their popularity. You'll find a selection of Rolex Daytona watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
    Yes, most collectors consider the green Submariner to be rare. Although Rolex uses the green dial on many dressier timepieces, the luxury watchmaker only occasionally offers sportier watches like the Submariner in the color. When Rolex did make green Submariners, production numbers tended to be limited. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Rolex Submariner watches.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Whether or not Rolex Submariners are rare depends on the model number. Some are easier to find than others due to increased production. Examples of rare models include the ref. 5517, the honeycomb dial ref. 6204 and the ref. 6538. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of Rolex Submariner watches.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    It depends on the make and model of the music box. To find the value of a music box, experts suggest that you work with a certified appraiser. The value of a music box will depend on a number of factors, including the shape it’s in. You’ll find expertly vetted music boxes on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, Muzo emeralds are rare. Mined from the Muzo area of Columbia, Muzo emeralds are known for their bold, green hue and utmost quality, making them a popular choice for jewelry collectors. You’ll find a selection of authentic Muzo emerald jewelry pieces on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Whether or not coral fossils are rare depends on their specific type. Agatized coral that comes from chalcedony quartz is rare, while others are more common. You'll find a collection of coral fossil decorative objects from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
    Rolex Daytonas are rare because the luxury Swiss watchmaker produced a limited number each year, and demand for the watch has historically been high. In 1962, Rolex was named official timekeeper of the Daytona International Speedway, the home of American stock-car racing. The following year, it introduced the Cosmograph reference 6239, or the Rolex Daytona, in honor of the partnership. Shop a variety of Rolex Daytona watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 31, 2023
    Yes, a star sapphire is rarer than other types of sapphires. The gemstones get their name from the natural starburst effect that appears on their faces when you view them under a single overhead light. On 1stDibs, shop a range of star sapphire gemstone jewelry.
  • 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
    A completely natural emerald is rare. Often, emeralds go through treatments to enhance their appearance or durability. Compared to diamonds, emeralds are actually 20 times rarer. While they’re rare, emeralds are gemstones to purchase if you’re on a budget because they appear larger than a diamond of the same carat weight due to their lower density. Emeralds are believed by many to symbolize royalty, love and mysticism. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of emerald jewelry from some of the world’s top sellers.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Because black pearls only form when sand is trapped in a specific type of oyster, the Tahitian black-lipped Pinctada, they are very rare. Black pearls occur once in every 10,000 pearls.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023
    Compared to cow, calfskin and lambskin leathers, ostrich leather is rare. However, many luxury fashion houses like Hermés, Louis Vuitton and Gucci use ostrich leather as a material. Shop a selection of ostrich leather handbags, shoes and accessories on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Certain quality rhodolite garnets are very rare. The most valuable rhodolites are “spirit color” or medium-high saturation, medium tone, pinkish red gemstone.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes. Hermès Kelly bags are very rare and highly sought after, due to their iconic style status associated with actress and Princess of Monoco, Grace Kelly. Because of this, there is an exclusive waitlist for releases of new Kelly bags. Shop a wide range of professionally authenticated Hermès Kelly bags from top boutiques worldwide on 1stDibs.