Monday, February 18, 2008

Auction Report: Bonhams

Bonhams Rare Books & Manuscripts sale went off yesterday in Los Angeles. Prices generally seemed low. Here are some highlights, with prices not including premium or tax:

- The Ibarra Don Quixote surpassed its estimates, fetching $11,000.

- Cormac McCarthy sold well, with five of seven lots making more than $1,000 and only one not selling.

- The first edition of Adam Smith's Wealth of Nations sold for $75,000.

- A scrap from Lincoln's coat worn on the night of his assassination went for $4,250, while the chunk from Samuel Mudd's house didn't sell.

The miniature Bible made $650, not quite hitting its low estimate. The first edition Great Gatsby failed to sell, while The Catcher in the Rye made $1,600. The McKenney & Hall folio also failed to sell.