Identification
Photo reference
5 uploaded photos
Overview
This is a 1926 edition of 'Birds' from 'The Nature Library' series, published by Doubleday, Page & Company. It features blind-stamped textured cloth bindings with gilt and bronze-tone cartouches, housing 48 full-color plates by illustrator R. E. Todhunter along with detailed ornithological descriptions. The valuation is anchored by verified sales and retail listings of the exact 1926 Doubleday edition.
Story
This volume is part of 'The Nature Library' series, a popular educational and decorative set published by Doubleday, Page & Company in the early 20th century. The 1926 edition is notable for its blind-stamped bindings and the inclusion of 48 full-color ornithological plates by illustrator R. E. Todhunter. The secondary market for early 20th-century illustrated nature books is steady, driven largely by decorators and casual vintage book collectors rather than high-end antiquarians.
Maker / Origin
Unattributed
Condition & Value
The seller notes the presence of the decorative binding and 48 color plates, which are the primary value drivers. These factors will dictate where the book falls within the valuation range. The exterior binding shows light shelf wear along the spine edges and corners, with mild surface scuffing.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
The secondary market for early 20th-century illustrated nature books is steady, driven largely by decorators and casual vintage book collectors rather than high-end antiquarians. Platforms like Etsy and eBay are strong venues for copies with attractive bindings, while AbeBooks caters to readers seeking specific editions. Prices are highly dependent on the aesthetic condition of the cover and the completeness of the color plates.
▲ Presence of all 48 original full-color plates by R. E. Todhunter anchors the core value.
▲ Decorative blind-stamped cloth binding with gilt cartouches appeals strongly to the vintage decor market.
▲ 1926 publication date provides authentic early 20th-century appeal.
▼ Unverified hinge stability — cracked or loose hinges would drop the estimate to the lower tier.
Best Venue
For maximum return, list on a visually-driven platform like Etsy or eBay, highlighting the decorative cover and photographing several of the color plates. An asking price of $35-$45 is appropriate if the binding is tight and the gilt is bright. If the hinges are loose or pages are heavily worn, a fast-sale price of $15 is more realistic.