Stephen King Collecting Questions

[Br!an]

I remember time ago someone (I think it was Bob Jackson) mentioned there are two different versions of the first four numbers of Castle Rock Newsletter, but I can't seem to find it anywhere. Does anyone know the differences and how to identify the first edition of each number?

Thanks!

It was Bob. There are actually three versions. The original without a stamp, the original stamped "Original" and later printings.

Here is his post...
"This is what I think. I have no first hand knowledge but, here goes: The publishers of Castle Rock newspaper noticed an increased demand for the first four issues sometime after the fourth or fifth issue was published. I think the increased demand was because of serializing the short story "Dolan's Cadillac." They still had some issues on hand of the first four issues so they stamped these remaining issues "Original" and stamped the later printings as later printings. But the bulk of the initial run of the first four issues were already in subscriber's/collector's hands and, of course, are not stamped as "Original." So, copies of the first four issues without any stamping at all are first printings. Does that make sense? The lack of any stamping is also an indicator of a first printing"

[zelig]

That's interesting. I checked my copies and there's no stamp.

[Ari_Racing]

Excellent! Thank you!

[jreitan47]

Quick question... 'saikingcollectibles' from eBay is a member here, correct?

[Br!an]

Quick question... 'saikingcollectibles' from eBay is a member here, correct?

Yes
http://www.thedarktower.org/palaver/...7247-OneFathom

[jreitan47]

Quick question... 'saikingcollectibles' from eBay is a member here, correct?

Yes
http://www.thedarktower.org/palaver/...7247-OneFathom

Thanks! I thought so.

[Bunyip]

Hi guys,
I've ordered a couple of books through Grants. I'm wondering what other people's experience is re response time? It's not life or death stuff, just seems like an odd set up with leaving card details etc and waiting for them to get back to you. It's only been a few days, I was just curious about other buyers waiting times. Thanks.

[TCCBodhi]

It's probably rather slow these days. I believe that it's more or less a one person shop these days with Robert Weiner doing most, if not all (at least I haven't heard from any other individual in my last several orders). Their order process is still pretty antique but they get the job done. I don't think that you'll run into any problems.

[Priest]

It's probably rather slow these days. I believe that it's more or less a one person shop these days with Robert Weiner doing most, if not all (at least I haven't heard from any other individual in my last several orders). Their order process is still pretty antique but they get the job done. I don't think that you'll run into any problems.

Spoke to Robert the last time, end of December, since then I didn't get an answer at all. Usually he answered pretty quick so I think he just is busy at the moment. I don't worry at all. I would just send a friendly reminder

[bdwyer19]

What would be the best way to try and clean this page block? I read the tutorial on sanding, but don't want to take the risk of causing further damage.

[allasorte]

@bdwyer19. I've tried a pencil eraser going with the length of the pages. There is some kind of eraser sold by Brodart, but I never used it. I've done the 400 grit sandpaper before....it works, but you would have to do the whole block page and not just the bad areas because you would want to keep it unison (the look). Both have worked, it just depends on the strength you use without damaging the book.

[zelig]

You could try a sponge eraser. I've had some success with that in certain cases. Depends on the extent of the dirt.

[Mr. Rabbit Trick]

What would be the best way to try and clean this page block? I read the tutorial on sanding, but don't want to take the risk of causing further damage.

Burn it and buy a new one.
Why waste time you could be using on having a good time with: a woman/man/fishing/cooking/sleeping/football/baseball/shagging/being a slob (my favourite).

[bdwyer19]

What would be the best way to try and clean this page block? I read the tutorial on sanding, but don't want to take the risk of causing further damage.

Burn it and buy a new one.
Why waste time you could be using on having a good time with: a woman/man/fishing/cooking/sleeping/football/baseball/shagging/being a slob (my favourite).

Ummm... Good suggestion???

[needfulthings]

What would be the best way to try and clean this page block? I read the tutorial on sanding, but don't want to take the risk of causing further damage.

Burn it and buy a new one.
Why waste time you could be using on having a good time with: a woman/man/fishing/cooking/sleeping/football/baseball/shagging/being a slob (my favourite).

Not everybody is made of money...Like you keep flaunting in our face.

[bdwyer19]

I'll be sure to try the sponge eraser...I seem to have every eraser but a sponge though. I'm still afraid of the sandpaper. If nothing else, I certainly don't have the patience to do it.

[Merlin1958]

What would be the best way to try and clean this page block? I read the tutorial on sanding, but don't want to take the risk of causing further damage.

Burn it and buy a new one.
Why waste time you could be using on having a good time with: a woman/man/fishing/cooking/sleeping/football/baseball/shagging/being a slob (my favourite).

Not everybody is made of money...Like you keep flaunting in our face.

Whoa!!! "The Bruce" is loose!!!! Take cover!!! LOL LOL

Spoiler:

I'm with you oh, wise & sage collector of fine things!!!

[Br!an]

I replied to Brian in a PM but thought I should post this here too.

Don't try anything that you don't feel comfortable doing.

You should remember that any time you are cleaning a book you are damaging the book. The idea is to achieve maximum cleaning with minimum damage.

When cleaning a page block it's mandatory to clamp the page block so it remains tight and compressed. I have a book press that I use. A couple of boards and a couple of clamps will do.

Always start with "dry" and then move to "wet" techniques.

I vacuum or brush off the page block first so I don't rub in the dirt. You can then start erasing. Always work from the softest to the hardest eraser. So sponge eraser and then gum eraser and then if desirable a harder eraser.

You can also use Isopropyl alcohol on the page block. You want to be careful not to overwet though. Wet a little with one clean white rag and then wipe with another clean dry rag. Allow to dry. Repeat as necessary.

If it needs more work then you can consider sanding. Start with fine grade sandpaper and move to rougher paper as needed and desired. You should use a block to provide even pressure. This works well on evenly machine cut pages. If the page block is uneven sanding will even it out. Of course don't try sanding deckled edges.

Slow and steady wins the race. Don't be aggressive.

[Jimimck]

Hi guys,
I've ordered a couple of books through Grants. I'm wondering what other people's experience is re response time? It's not life or death stuff, just seems like an odd set up with leaving card details etc and waiting for them to get back to you. It's only been a few days, I was just curious about other buyers waiting times. Thanks.

Grants customer service is non existent IMO. I've sent emails over the past few years and never once had a reply. I swore I'd never buy from them direct and would just get their stuff on the secondary market. I hope you have a better experience.

[Bunyip]

What would be the best way to try and clean this page block? I read the tutorial on sanding, but don't want to take the risk of causing further damage.

Burn it and buy a new one.
Why waste time you could be using on having a good time with: a woman/man/fishing/cooking/sleeping/football/baseball/shagging/being a slob (my favourite).

I will take the shagging a woman option please Mr Rabbit! now I know where your name came from....

[Joe315]

Try a mr. clean magic eraser. Works well for surface dirt.

[Sovereign]

How much does the owner's name with an insciption hurt the value of a book if the dust jacket covers it? For example, if a fine copy of a 2nd edition Gunslinger is 300$, what would its value be with the insciption?

[carlosdetweiller]

How much does the owner's name with an insciption hurt the value of a book if the dust jacket covers it? For example, if a fine copy of a 2nd edition Gunslinger is 300$, what would its value be with the insciption?

Probably everyone has their own opinion on this question. Each collector must decide for themselves what they want to put in their collection. Personally I don't consider any book with a previous owner's name or gift inscription. A price-clipped dj is also a non-starter for me. Especially when we are talking about books like a 2nd edition Gunslinger. It's a nice book, to be sure, but there are lots of others out there for sale. Wait a while, if you can, and save up, if you need to, for a nicer one. You'll probably never be really happy with this one.

[jhanic]

How much does the owner's name with an insciption hurt the value of a book if the dust jacket covers it? For example, if a fine copy of a 2nd edition Gunslinger is 300$, what would its value be with the insciption?

Probably everyone has their own opinion on this question. Each collector must decide for themselves what they want to put in their collection. Personally I don't consider any book with a previous owner's name or gift inscription. A price-clipped dj is also a non-starter for me. Especially when we are talking about books like a 2nd edition Gunslinger. It's a nice book, to be sure, but there are lots of others out there for sale. Wait a while, if you can, and save up, if you need to, for a nicer one. You'll probably never be really happy with this one.

I completely agree.

John

[webstar1000]

I agree as well!