24 Dec, 2021
2021-12-24 8:53:33 PM UTC
Hello everyone, this is my first post! I'd like to ask some assistance from you all. I recently had some luck at an auction and acquired a set of The Lord of the Rings, 1967 Second Edition, by Houghton Mifflin, in the red slipcase. I'm stunned at the condition, as they seem near fine, especially compared to the sets in the black slipcase that I own. Have to admit I am a little skeptical that such a set in this condition could exist. It is the only aspect that seems suspicious to me, but I'd love and appreciate some extra help verifying their authenticity. They match information found on tolkienbooks.us regarding their printings and original price; I have no information regarding their previous owner. I was wondering if anyone had the same set who could compare photos, or if anyone had other methods of verifying? Thanks in advance for any assistance!
24 Dec, 2021
2021-12-24 10:07:51 PM UTC
Boy, the dust jackets on those are in absolutely great condition. Usually the ones I see on eBay and the like are tattered.
24 Dec, 2021
2021-12-24 10:22:29 PM UTC
Telperien wrote:
Have to admit I am a little skeptical that such a set in this condition could exist. It is the only aspect that seems suspicious to me
Nothing to be suspicious about. A very nice set from circa 1976-77. Condition of the dustjackets is very nice and while not very common, I have seen quite a few in Near Fine to Fine Condition over the years.
24 Dec, 2021
2021-12-24 11:50:41 PM UTC
25 Dec, 2021
2021-12-25 2:41:01 AM UTC
Welcome to the site
Yup, looks fine to me.
FOTR should be either a 13th or 14th print which yours is.
TT &
ROTK should be either a 12th or 13th print.
These red slipcases were the last state of this boxset produced by HMCO before switching to the white ones in '78. An excellent addition to your collection.
19 Feb, 2022
2022-2-19 9:27:58 AM UTC
Lovely set. Well done. I have this set in the red slipcase too. The covers have a little wear - not like this pristine set you have !!
With shipping from the USA, I paid just short of £100 for my set.
19 Feb, 2022
2022-2-19 8:50:11 PM UTC
Fwiw I've never actually seen the 13/12/12 set in the red case; only the 14/13/13. The only mention I've seen of the earlier combination is from Findegil. Would love to hear if others find a set with the earlier printings.
20 Feb, 2022
2022-2-20 5:37:15 AM UTC
My 12/11/11 (all November 1974) set still has the black slipcase, if that helps narrow down the dates/printings for the slipcase change.