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Identification

1901 Universal Classics Library: The Federalist Vol. II & English Constitution with Insert

Photo reference

5 uploaded photos

Overview

The item is definitively identified by its title pages and copyright page as a 1901 volume from the Universal Classics Library published by M. Walter Dunne. The 'Edition de Luxe' state is confirmed by the spine label.

Story

Published in 1901 by M. Walter Dunne, a prominent New York and London publisher known for producing handsome, multi-volume subscription sets during the Edwardian era. These 'Edition de Luxe' libraries were heavily marketed to aspirational households seeking to display classic literature and historical texts in decorative bindings. The secondary market for early 20th-century subscription sets (like the Universal Classics Library) is generally soft, as they were mass-produced and are not true first editions.

Maker / Origin

M. Walter Dunne

Condition & Value

Based on the provided description, the exterior presents well, and the survival of the delicate publisher's insert strongly suggests careful handling and storage over the past century.

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 early 20th-century subscription sets (like the Universal Classics Library) is generally soft, as they were mass-produced and are not true first editions. However, volumes containing foundational American historical texts, such as 'The Federalist', command more consistent demand than obscure literary works in the same series. Buyers are typically casual history buffs, decorators, or collectors looking to replace a missing volume in their set.

Value Drivers

▲ Foundational text appeal: 'The Federalist' is highly collected, driving more demand than standard literary volumes in the same series.

▲ Rare ephemera: The original bright orange publisher's insert is a scarce survival that adds a premium for completeness.

▲ 'Edition de Luxe' features: Photogravure plates and illustrated title pages enhance the volume's display value.

Concerns

▼ Orphan volume status: As Volume II of a set, it lacks the standalone completeness of a single-volume work, limiting its ceiling.

▼ Soft market for subscription sets: Early 20th-century publisher sets generally suffer from oversupply.

Best Venue

List on a broad online marketplace like eBay or AbeBooks, explicitly highlighting 'The Federalist' and the rare publisher's insert in the listing title. An optimistic list price of $65 with 'Best Offer' enabled is appropriate.

Upside Potential

If the book's interior is confirmed to be in pristine, unread condition with tight hinges and zero foxing, a collector of publisher's ephemera or a buyer specifically needing this exact volume to complete a pristine set might pay up to $80.

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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.

  • KaneCountyVintage
    Hard-to-find COMPLETE 20 Vol. Set From 1901! "universal Classics Library" Autograph Edition, M. Walter Dunne; Nicely Illustrated, Very Clean
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