What do people think of this? [Signed Hobbit for sale on eBay]

Amazing... I would pay that money only for the jacket! It is long time ago that a copy with original jacket was available at such a price.

Don't mind tipped in signatures when they are genuine... only don't want to think where it was cut out (a book from Tolkien's personal library? a letter?).

Beren,

When I purchased the signature, it was on a scrap piece of the Miramar paper, with a 2nd signature on the same piece. The person that sold it to me said he was keeping the note that came with it, from Tolkien saying he was enclosing two signature for him to stick in his books. So it wasn't cut out of a book or anything like that. Tolkien actually provided the scrap piece of paper along with the letter.

Photo of letter attached

David

Oops, try again..

I wonder whether this jacket was added later? I mean; a book with a jacket wouldn't have such a faded spine, would it?

Apart from that, the faults don't look as bad as the description suggests (though I'm not keen on the brown staining as shown in the photos). It'll be interesting to see how this sale goes. Just to say - I shan't be bidding! (well out of my league).

ps - I've got nothing against inserted signatures...

Cool... so that is where that signature went to. I know this letter and always wondered what happened to it. So now that is wonderful news. Thanks for letting us know.

I have no problem with a signature that has been lain in, but I think almost everyone would agree that they would prefer to own an item that has actually been signed in the book.

Cool item, nonetheless, but way above my price range as well...

The letter is quoted on page 772 of Wayne and Christina's Companion and Guide, and was to James A.H. Murray, grandson of Sir James A.H. Murray of the Oxford English Dictionary.

Hello David,
Do I understand from your post that you are the seller of this item? Does the dustjacket seem genuine 1/1 to you? I haven't heard if there are any fakes of this kind of thing going around?

Now if only I could raise a few quid!