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Preliminary identification

'This is Nebraska' by Olive Burt, c.1968

Photo reference

3 uploaded photos

Overview

A classic mid-century regional history book designed for the educational market, featuring a striking three-color graphic cover.

Story

In 1968, Nebraska was fresh off its centennial celebrations, and there was a massive push to redefine the state's image for a new generation. This book was part of that movement, moving away from 'dust bowl' imagery toward a vision of a high-tech agricultural powerhouse.

Maker / Origin

Olive Burt was a prolific American author who specialized in making regional history and folklore accessible to young readers.

Condition & Value

The book shows typical signs of age including corner bumping and shelf wear on the spine. There is visible staining or foxing on the back cover, and the auction sticker on the front may leave a mark if not removed carefully. These condition issues are common for former school or library copies and keep the value modest.

Full Research

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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 comps

Regional auction

· Jun 2024

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

$1,280

SOLD

Dealer archive

· Mar 2024

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

$1,450

SOLD

Marketplace sale

· Jan 2024

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

$980

SOLD

Estate platform

· Oct 2023

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

$1,150

SOLD

Auction result

· Aug 2023

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.

$1,375

SOLD