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Identification

1886 Barnes' National System of Penmanship Copybook No. 6

Photo reference

3 uploaded photos

Overview

Clear publisher imprint (A. S. Barnes & Co.) and copyright date (1886) on the instructional page. The cover identifies it as No. 6 in the series and bears the student's name, Wilbur Torrey.

Story

This copybook was published by A. S. Barnes & Co., a prominent 19th-century American educational publisher known for standardized textbooks. Identified as 'No. 6' in their National System, it was used by a named student, Wilbur Torrey, in 1886, providing a direct link to late 19th-century American classroom practices. The secondary market for 19th-century educational ephemera is steady but niche, primarily driven by collectors of historical pedagogy, calligraphy enthusiasts, and occasionally genealogists.

Maker / Origin

A.S. Barnes & Co.

Condition & Value

Based on the visible photos, the front cover and interior pages show expected age-related toning, minor edge wear, and light handling marks typical of 1880s paper ephemera. The period handwriting remains highly legible.

Full Research

See what it's actually worth.

Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Market Analysis

The secondary market for 19th-century educational ephemera is steady but niche, primarily driven by collectors of historical pedagogy, calligraphy enthusiasts, and occasionally genealogists. Standard late-19th-century copybooks are relatively common and typically trade between $20 and $40. Exceptional prices are generally reserved for much earlier examples (pre-1860) or those featuring extraordinary, ornate penmanship rather than standard student exercises.

Value Drivers

▲ Clear 1886 copyright and A. S. Barnes & Co. publisher imprint confirm period authenticity.

▲ Filled with legible, period student handwriting, appealing to calligraphy and educational history collectors.

▲ Named student (Wilbur Torrey) adds a layer of genealogical and historical interest.

Concerns

▼ Unverified back cover and spine condition — significant wear or binding separation would lower the estimate.

▼ Unknown page count — if a large portion of the copybook is blank or pages are missing, the value drops toward the $15 floor.

Best Venue

List on a broad online marketplace like eBay or Etsy, targeting ephemera and antique paper collectors. Price at $30-$35 with 'Best Offer' enabled to capture the typical $20-$25 market clearing price. Ensure the listing includes clear photos of the back cover, spine, and an approximate count of the filled pages to maximize buyer confidence.

Upside Potential

If the copybook is exceptionally complete with a pristine binding, or if the student Wilbur Torrey can be tied to a historically significant family or location, the value could push toward the $45-$50 range seen in regionally significant comps.

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Also found — market-range context

Related comps outside the valuation band· 4 comps

Surfaced during research but not used to anchor the valuation — wrong form, species, era, or no published price. Shown so the market range around this item is visible.

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  • PicClick / eBay
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  • PicClick / eBay
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