Sleuthing for Nancy Drew at eBay #1

Love eBay? Well there's a plethora of Nancy Drew merchandise there--vintage and modern. There are also a lot of newbie collectors and some sellers who lack a few good clues as to what they have! I thought I'd start making some eBay commentary on what's up for auction every once in a while to help educate collectors and--well, have snarky fun too:) So, I'll highlight a few interesting finds, crazy listings, and eBay Nancy Drew flubs and the like. Chime in, in the comments section with your thoughts or questions! Copy the item number and go to http://www.ebay.com and enter it into the search box to view the following auctions:

(Disclaimer: No offense meant to any seller or bidder/potential bidder--I'm sure you're all lovely people:)...)

Auctions:

Item Number: 160205624130 Description: Signed Mildred A. Wirt. Twin Ring Mystery Nancy Drew
(Ends: Feb. 11, '08) - This is not a Nancy Drew book, however it is a tie-in, in that the Nancy Drew ghostwriter, Mildred Wirt Benson, wrote it. It is missing its dust jacket and is not in excellent shape. It is signed by Ms. Benson according to the auction description and image shown. It is not known how many signed books are in existence, but Ms. Benson did sign many books over the years. I think the value of 99.00 for a dust jacketless book is a bit steep.

Item Number: 190196278730 Description: VINTAGE NEAR MINT NANCY DREW LUNCHBOX W/THERMOS & TAGS
(Ends: Feb. 11, '08) - This lunchbook is in great shape--often you find them with rust and scratching. The fact that is has the original tags and papers, is a plus for completist collectors too. I think the opening value of $99.95 might scare potential bidders, however, it's not too far off the mark for what something in this shape with original papers is worth. Even my lunchbox doesn't have the original tag!

Item Number: 160205278204 Description: FARAH'S GUIDE, 12th PRINTING, NANCY DREW PRICE GUIDE
(Ends: Feb. 13, '08) - For any collector of Nancy Drew books, I'd recommend Farah's Guide--you'll learn if your books are first printings, what format you have, and what books came in what formats. Values are included too as well as a lot of other information about Nancy Drew and her history. Recommended!

Item Number: 200198115455 Description: NANCY DREW #16 Applewood FIRST PRINT! Tapping Heels
(Ends: Feb. 12, '08) - At a starting bid of $79.95, I have to wonder, will there be any bidders for this REPRINT. The price of Applewood reprints has certainly gone up these days on eBay, especially now that Applewood Books is not reprinting these books anymore. I think that value is too high for a reprint, even for a completist collector. Some of these can still be found at bookstores online at regular price. Of course, this is a first printing, and that does figure into value, but I'm not sure I'm ready to put such a high value on these reprints. The market will certainly tell in time...

Item Number: 250214991716 Description: Nancy Drew The Hidden Staircase 1959 HC/DJ Promo
(Ends: Feb. 17, '08) - If you haven't added this promo item to your collection, this is the only Nancy Drew book to have the "This Volume Free" overstamp on the dust jacket. You got The Hidden Staircase free when you purchased The Secret of the Old Clock. I particularly like that this seller uses quite a few pictures to show condition which is always nice.

Item Number: 200199063727 Description: THE BUNGALOW MYSTERY BY CAROLYN KEEN 1930 1ST?
(Ends: Feb. 16, '08) - It is not a first printing! However the seller states it might be a first edition--there is a difference. This would be a first edition, since it is the original text. Value: about 6.00 per Farah's for excellent shape most likely, opening bid of 4.99 isn't bad for a tweed.

Item Number: 320217086965 Description: Nancy Drew TWO 1st edition The Scarlet Slipper Mystery Mystery at the Moss-Covered Mansion PC book LOT RARE!
(Ends: Feb. 17, '08) - These books are not rare. The opening bid price of 7.99 isn't bad though.

Jenn:)