Overview
The identification is explicitly confirmed by the provided images. The title page verifies the title, author (Robert W. Delaney), and publisher (Indian Tribal Series, Phoenix).
Identification
"The Southern Ute People" by Robert W. Delaney, Signed Limited Edition
Photo reference
3 uploaded photos
Story
Published in 1974 by the Indian Tribal Series in Phoenix, Arizona, which produced a wide array of tribal histories during the 1970s. Authored by Robert W. Delaney, this volume features the signature of Leonard C. Burch, a highly influential Chairman of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe. These volumes were originally issued to commemorate the release of an official tribal medal.
Maker / Origin
Indian Tribal Series (Publisher); Robert W. Delaney (Author)
Condition & Value
Based on the provided photos, the visible pages (title and limitation) appear clean with no obvious foxing, tears, or institutional stamps. The blue hardcover format is confirmed, though the full exterior and text block remain unverified.
Full Research
See what it's actually worth.
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Market Analysis
The market for 1970s Native American tribal histories published by the Indian Tribal Series is niche, primarily appealing to regional historians, tribal members, and specialized institutional archives. Because the limitation runs were quite large (often 15,000 copies), supply generally outstrips demand, keeping prices highly accessible. Signed copies by tribal leaders add historical interest but do not significantly elevate the financial value due to the sheer volume of signed copies originally issued.
Value Drivers
▲ Authentic signature of Leonard C. Burch, a notable Southern Ute Chairman
▲ Hardcover format, which is more durable and collectible than the softcover variants
▲ Clean, verified limitation page confirming its status as copy 1,376 of 15,000
Concerns
▼ Massive limitation size (15,000 copies) severely caps scarcity and upward price mobility
▼ Unverified presence of the commemorative medal; missing the medal removes the complete-set premium
▼ Unverified exterior condition; significant cover wear or bumped corners would push value toward the $10 floor
Best Venue
List on a broad marketplace like eBay or AbeBooks with clear keywords: 'Signed Leonard C. Burch', 'Southern Ute History', and 'Indian Tribal Series Hardcover'. If the commemorative medal is located, photograph it alongside the book, as complete sets sell much faster and for a premium.
Upside Potential
If the original commemorative silver or bronze medal issued with this series is present and included in the sale, the value range would shift upward to approximately $40-$60, as collectors of the Indian Tribal Series prioritize complete book-and-medal sets.
▾Also found — market-range context
Related comps outside the valuation band· 8 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.
Also found — market-range context
Related comps outside the valuation band· 8 comps
- North American Auction Company· 2021-02-20Signed Limited Edition Indian Tribal Series 30 Vol30-volume set, not a single book.$450
- BiblioIndian Tribal Series (40 Volumes)40-volume set, not a single book.$400
- North American Auction Company· 2023-01-28"Indian Tribal Series" Signed Ltd. Editions (21)21-volume set, not a single book.$315
- $250
- Indian Tribal Series, Eleven limited edition volumes, 1973-1975.11-volume set, not a single book.$120
- 1976 Indian Tribal Series The Coushatta .999 Silver Medal w/ BookDifferent tribe (Coushatta) and includes a silver medal.$50
- AmericanIndianMedalsBook Indian Tribal Series "The Navajo People" SignedDifferent book in the series (The Navajo People).$25
- eBayIndian Tribal Series / Limited Edition / Signed by Respective Chief/Southern UteLink could not be verified.$10