The only obvious state that you are missing here is the red-board 1971 1st. I see them from time-to-time on eBay (there was one that sat on there for a long time last year that I was tempted by, but the price was a bit high for the condition).

There was one on Ebay that ended this morning in very nice condition by the looks of it. Unfortunately the DJ is laminated on that one....

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The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien (Hardcover, 1971)

267192807246

Seller: hexoltorain

(625)

Ended Mar 25, 2025

£93.91

[5 Bids]

remy wrote:

There was one on Ebay that ended this morning in very nice condition by the looks of it. Unfortunately the DJ is laminated on that one....

This site uses affiliate links for which we may be compensated

The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien (Hardcover, 1971)

267192807246

Seller: hexoltorain

(625)

Ended Mar 25, 2025

£93.91

[5 Bids]

I did have my eye on that one, but decided against it as the laminated jacket really brings down the value for me.

I have another variation, a Guild Publishing 1981 1984 reprint.

It is of the larger size (the same as the faux leather version), has dark green boards and the spine has a single leaf instead of the wavy line.

Thanks Andy, hadn't seen this one before...

Recently picked this up for a song.

Rayner’s gift note to a Nancy is quite possibly Nancy Smith who compiled the index for The Lord of the Rings…still working on authentication though.

Congratulations. Great acquisition - and fantastic to have a note signed by Rayner. Superb!

Congratulations, beautiful item !

Thanks both! Yes the note was a nice surprise.