Preliminary identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
A seminal work of Pacific Northwest regional history, this book serves as a photographic and narrative guide to the trails and landmarks of the Oregon and Washington territories. It is celebrated for its hundreds of high-quality photographs taken by the authors during their extensive field research in the late 1940s.
Story
In 1948, the Salisburys set out to document the vanishing physical traces of the Old West. They traveled thousands of miles to capture sites before modern development erased the wagon ruts forever.
Maker / Origin
Albert and Jane Salisbury were dedicated amateur historians and photographers who specialized in 'pictorial histories' of the American West. Their work helped popularize the preservation of historical markers and trail sites during the mid-century boom in domestic road-trip tourism.
Condition & Value
The dust jacket shows visible shelf wear, edge chipping, and some loss at the corners. The presence of the jacket adds significant value, though its worn state keeps it at the mid-range. Condition reduces value by approximately 30% compared to a mint copy.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.