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Identification

The Real Mother Goose, Illustrated by Blanche Fisher Wright (53rd Printing)

Photo reference

3 uploaded photos

Overview

This is a beautifully preserved 1969 edition of the classic children's anthology 'The Real Mother Goose', first published in 1916.

Story

'The Real Mother Goose' was first published by Rand McNally & Company in 1916 and quickly became a staple of American childhood. Featuring the iconic watercolor illustrations of Blanche Fisher Wright, the book has remained in print for over a century. This specific copy is a 53rd printing from 1969, representing the enduring legacy of the publisher's mid-century output. The secondary market for vintage children's books is highly stratified by printing date and condition.

Maker / Origin

Unattributed

Condition & Value

Based on the seller's description of it being 'beautifully preserved,' the book appears to be in very good condition for its age. For vintage children's books, value is heavily dependent on the absence of typical wear: torn pages, crayon marks, and broken bindings.

Full Research

See what it's actually worth.

Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Market Analysis

The secondary market for vintage children's books is highly stratified by printing date and condition. While first editions and early printings (pre-1940) command significant collector premiums, later mid-century reprints like this 1969 edition function primarily as nostalgic reading copies. Buyers are typically looking for clean, intact copies to share with children or replace childhood copies, keeping prices steady in the $15 to $25 range.

Value Drivers

▲ Beautifully preserved condition maximizes appeal for nostalgic buyers seeking clean reading copies.

▲ Iconic Blanche Fisher Wright illustrations maintain steady, recognizable demand.

▲ 1976 comparable asking price of $24 establishes a reliable ceiling for late-century reprints.

Concerns

▼ Unverified interior pages — any hidden crayon marks, tears, or stains would drop the value to the $10-$15 floor.

▼ Late printing status (53rd printing) caps the collector value, preventing it from reaching the $100+ tier of earlier editions.

Best Venue

List the book on a broad marketplace like eBay or Etsy with an asking price of $25, accepting offers down to $15. Highlight the 'beautifully preserved' condition and the 1969 printing date in the title to attract nostalgic buyers. Ensure photographs clearly show the tight binding and clean interior pages, as these are the primary selling points for later reprints.

Upside Potential

There is limited upside beyond the $25 high estimate for a 1969 53rd printing; realizing prices closer to the $100 mark requires an earlier edition (e. g., pre-1950s) or the presence of an exceptionally rare, pristine original dust jacket.

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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.

  • In The Vintage Kitchen Shop
    The Three Little Bunnies - 1960's Rand McNally Elf Book - Ruth Dixon Dale Rooks Children's Book
    Different book title and author.
    $15
  • eBay
    Real Mother Goose by Blanche Wright (Hardcover) for sale online | eBay
    Link could not be verified.
    $14
  • Mercari
    The Christmas Snowman Book 1977 - Rand McNally. SOLD.
    Different book title.
    $2