Overview
Identification is highly confident based on the clear title page detailing the author (Dr. C. E. Linton), illustrator (Murray Wade), and publisher (Statesman Publishing Co., Salem, Oregon). The item is a cloth-bound hardcover.
Identification
The Earthomotor and Other Stories by Dr. C. E. Linton
Photo reference
3 uploaded photos
Story
Written by Dr. C. E. Linton, an Oregon physician, and published by the Statesman Publishing Co. in Salem, Oregon. This work represents a fascinating slice of regional, independent publishing from the early 20th century, capturing the era's fascination with subterranean exploration and technological marvels. The market for early 20th-century regional proto-science fiction is highly specialized, driven by completionist collectors of early speculative fiction and hollow-earth narratives.
Maker / Origin
Statesman Publishing Co. (Publisher) / Dr. C. E. Linton (Author)
Condition & Value
The book exhibits visible cover staining and wear along the right edge. Crucially, there is an exposed inner gutter at the dedication page, indicating a weakened binding. The absence of the original dust jacket significantly impacts the collectible value, though this is common for regional books of this era.
Full Research
See what it's actually worth.
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Market Analysis
The market for early 20th-century regional proto-science fiction is highly specialized, driven by completionist collectors of early speculative fiction and hollow-earth narratives. Values in this niche are heavily bifurcated: copies retaining their original dust jackets command significant premiums, while bare copies trade much lower. Items of this obscurity often sit for extended periods until the right specialist buyer is found, meaning retail asking prices represent a ceiling rather than a guaranteed clearing price.
Value Drivers
▲ Direct title and author match to a known, scarce regional proto-sci-fi work establishes the baseline.
▲ Striking illustrated cover depicting the 'earthmotor' appeals directly to genre and hollow-earth collectors.
▲ Early 20th-century independent press origins add historical and regional interest.
Concerns
▼ Exposed inner gutter at the dedication page indicates binding weakness, depressing value compared to tight copies.
▼ Absence of the original dust jacket removes the premium collector tier seen in the $500+ comparables.
▼ Unverified page completeness—any missing text or illustrations would severely impact the valuation.
Best Venue
List on a specialized antiquarian book platform like AbeBooks or Biblio, targeting collectors of early science fiction and regional Oregon imprints. Ensure all condition flaws, especially the exposed gutter, are clearly photographed and described. Given the niche appeal, expect a longer holding period; price near the mid-point with room to accept offers.
Upside Potential
If the book is found to contain a verified signature or presentation inscription from Dr. C. E. Linton, the value would shift toward the $200-$250 range, aligning with the inscribed copies seen in the comparables.
▾Also found — market-range context
Related comps outside the valuation band· 3 comps
Surfaced during research but not used to anchor the valuation — wrong form, species, era, or no published price. Shown so the market range around this item is visible.
Also found — market-range context
Related comps outside the valuation band· 3 comps
- Robert Gavora, Fine & Rare BooksTHE EARTHOMOTOR AND OTHER STORIES.Link could not be verified.$145
- Robert's BookshopShorthorn Cattle Sale: First Annual Draft SaleLink could not be verified.$50
- eBay1898 MURRAY WADE Ink Drawing FATHER WHITE-OREGON PIONEER STUMP PREACHER antiqueLink could not be verified.$30