Preliminary identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
This is the 1956 first American edition of Manfred Conté's high-stakes thriller, originally published in Germany as 'Cassia und der Abenteurer'. It is a quintessential example of mid-century suspense literature, capturing the tense, nomadic atmosphere of post-WWII Europe.
Story
Published in 1956, this novel follows a master counterfeiter across a fractured Europe. It arrived just as the world was obsessed with the 'New Look' and the looming shadows of the Cold War. It's a time capsule of 1950s noir.
Maker / Origin
Manfred Conté was a German author known for his sharp, atmospheric writing that often blurred the lines between crime fiction and social commentary. William Sloane Associates, the publisher, was a prestigious mid-century house known for launching significant literary voices before being absorbed by larger firms.
Condition & Value
The internal pages show some light toning consistent with age, but the binding appears tight. The lack of a visible dust jacket in the photos significantly impacts the market value for bibliophiles. Condition is fair to good.
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.