Preliminary identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
A large-format 'cut-and-assemble' paper engineering book designed by Alan Rose, allowing the builder to create a 4-foot tall scale model of the Art Deco masterpiece. This series was famous for its meticulous detail and the sheer scale of the finished cardboard structures.
Story
Alan Rose turned paper into architecture during the 1980s hobby boom. This book allowed families to recreate the world's most famous skyscraper right in their living room. It captures a pre-digital era of patient, tactile craft.
Maker / Origin
Alan Rose was a pioneer of the 'Build Your Own' paper model genre, known for his 'The World at Your Feet' series. His designs were celebrated for being technically accurate yet accessible, covering landmarks from the Statue of Liberty to the Spruce Goose.
Condition & Value
The cover shows some edge wear and minor creasing consistent with age. The value hinges on the internal pages being pristine and unseparated from the binding. Significant cover fading or moisture damage would reduce value by 50%. Value is entirely dependent on whether the book is 'uncut.'
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.