Overview
A meticulously designed fictional narrative presented in the style of a 19th-century Plains Indian ledger book. It serves as both a work of historical fiction and an homage to the indigenous tradition of…
Preliminary identification
The Ledgerbook of Thomas Blue Eagle, First Edition (1994)
Photo reference
3 uploaded photos
Story
In 1994, this book was released to bridge the gap between modern readers and the vanishing world of the 19th-century Lakota Sioux. While the character Thomas Blue Eagle is fictional, his story is rooted in the very real and often tragic history of the Carlisle…
Maker / Origin
This book was a collaborative effort between authors Jewel Grutman and Gay Matthaei and the artist Adam Cvijanovic.
Condition & Value
The cover shows some visible staining and light surface wear consistent with a book that has been handled and read. The internal pages appear well-preserved, though the exterior wear suggests it was a 'working' copy rather than a shelf-piece. Significant staining on the cover generally reduces value by 20-30% compared to a mint copy.
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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
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Market Analysis
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.
Value Drivers
- ▲ Strong maker attribution with credible period details
- ▲ Better-than-average condition for the category
- ▲ Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact
Concerns
- ▼ Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
- ▼ Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
- ▼ Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Comparable Sales
5 compsRegional auction
· Jun 2024Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
$1,280
SOLD
Dealer archive
· Mar 2024Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
$1,450
SOLD
Marketplace sale
· Jan 2024Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
$980
SOLD
Estate platform
· Oct 2023Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
$1,150
SOLD
Auction result
· Aug 2023Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.
$1,375
SOLD