The *declining* Stephen King Market

[Fsmdr]

I agree that the recent Danse Macabre from Stu was underpriced. I was curious whether that was because the books were on consignment. I purchased my copy from Stu for $3k a few years ago. I know the market isn't that strong but when a book is being sold for half the value I'm very skeptical. Nothing on his site mentions condition. I certainly would not let my copy go for less than $2500 and that's already a $500 loss. Congratulations to whomever purchased it though; a 'steal' at that price.

I confirmed that the condition was fine/fine with a fine glassine dj before buying it. I think it is the rarest of the King lettered editions.

Not to steer too much off topic but, does having the original glassine matters that much in your purchasing decision?. As far as I know it could be purchased from Gaylord or Brodart and can be easily cut into exact sizes. It has a tendency to yellow unattractively with age and I am considering replacing them with new glassine.

[Rahfa]

It mattered in mine, and I bought the regular s/l....it does yellow, but it is still part of the book.

[carlosdetweiller]

Not to steer too much off topic but, does having the original glassine matters that much in your purchasing decision?. As far as I know it could be purchased from Gaylord or Brodart and can be easily cut into exact sizes. It has a tendency to yellow unattractively with age and I am considering replacing them with new glassine.

It does matter to me. I am a stickler for originals. I even dislike the practice of switching dust jackets on books to upgrade (although I have done that myself a few times). To me a yellowed, frayed (but original) glassine dj is better than a new one using replacement materials.

[divemaster]

Theres one book that I think is an oddity in all this - the S/L of the Waste Lands.

Right now they're going for $300- $400, and I think even in this market thats WAY below value. Six months ago I sold one for $700, five months ago I bought one for $650. I'm not sure if anyone else has noticed, but theres a guy on eBay that seems to have a never ending supply of them - probably a dozen in the last three months hes auctioned off. I'm pretty sure that seller is the cause of such low prices for that particular book.

Thoughts?

I've noticed this and I'm trying to pick one up as a filler until my number emerges someday!

I just got one for $305. I guess that's pretty good, although it will be interesting what his remaining stock goes for. He's got yet another one up for bids right now.

[Mr. Rabbit Trick]

It is not declining in all areas. Stu at Betts put up a collection of lettered editions this weekend and over half are already gone. Wow!

And the other half have now been reduced in price.

I just captured The Green Mile lettered for $500 less than the issue price.

[BigCoffinHunter]

Hopefully you'll get a nice illustration in your traycase for Green Mile. Let us know how it is.

[Mr. Rabbit Trick]

This is the illustration...

[Patrick]

[Mr. Rabbit Trick]

I would have though The Dark Tower series would hold its value, but this same number signed/limited set of 10 books went for...

£3100

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...m=360154280444

[Brice]

Doesn't that just indicate someone got a REALLY good deal?

[carlosdetweiller]

I would have though The Dark Tower series would hold its value, but this same number signed/limited set of 10 books went for...

£3100

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...m=360154280444

I would say the seller was in a hurry to sell. The offer he accepted was much lower than his asking price or "Buy It Now" price.

[e_taylor]

Yah I don't think its really an indication of market value when someone in desperate need of cash accepts a bad offer.

[Gris]

Just curious what you guys would value a 2nd printing Gunslinger with a cracked binding at?

[Mr. Rabbit Trick]

I would have though The Dark Tower series would hold its value, but this same number signed/limited set of 10 books went for...

£3100

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...m=360154280444

I would say the seller was in a hurry to sell. The offer he accepted was much lower than his asking price or "Buy It Now" price.

I'm glad sellers are in a hurry to sell. The Colorado Kid # 5/33 at Betts has just been reduced by $250. Couldn't resist it.

[Randall Flagg]

The market for proofs is strong.

[Mr. Rabbit Trick]

The market for proofs is strong.

I know. I'm selling them.

[Randall Flagg]

Proofs still seem to be strong. Also, we seem to have more international interest.

[biomieg]

Oh yes.

[olverts]

Absolutely

[Mr. Rabbit Trick]

Betts have had a lot of full collections on sale this year. Every one of these is a collector less.

[Rahfa]

Yeah, but it's one collector maybe replaced by numerous new collectors buying off the seperate parts.

Still, other than brief surges, the market has shown little staying power.

[Merlin1958]

Responding to earlier posts, Make no mistake, when the "Master" passes prices will skyrocket. It is just the way of the world. BTW, as King has it set-up now we will most likely be getting novels from him for many years to come, ala Tupac!!! LOL LOL

[Brice]

Yeah, prices will skyrocket, but that's kinda' not real. I expect the first week or so you'll see ridiculous prices and people being stupid and paying them, but it'll level off shortly after that.

[Mr. Rabbit Trick]

The Big Book of Necon Signed/Limied 1/350. CD Issue price $350

This has only recently been issued. Normally the first ones for sale command a high price.

The first one I've seen on ebay sold for $108.05

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Stephen-King...item23175a23de

The second one I've seen sold for $70.18

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BIG-BOOK-NEC...item19cb502c26

The original Necon papeback with the first printing of this story only made £100

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Necon-XX-200...item35b7b4ed28

[mistercrowley]

People just don't have the money anymore.