One hundred and seventy seven rare books went under the hammer today, as one of the most significant collections of antique literature was auctioned in Wellington.
The collection included a page from one of the first books ever printed dating back to 1478.
The books fetched a lot more than expected.
After six months of careful planning 177 rare antiquarian books made an even rarer appearance at auction.
Everything from a salvaged page from one of the first books ever printed by William Caxton to illuminated manuscripts went under the hammer.
“We have had enquiries from all over the world, major libraries and institutions in the states, the UK and Europe,” says Dunbar Sloan auctioneer Anthony Gallagher. “It’s been incredible.”
The interest in these books was partly generated because many of them have never been for sale.
The collection was owned by Edward Simpson who worked as a librarian in Manchester for many years before moving to New Zealand after the first world war.
Mr Simpson died in 1979 and since then the books have been looked after by his son Paul.
But after 30 years and much reservation it was time to let them go.
“We don't have anyone in our family in particular that shows interest in antiquarian books,” says collection seller Paul Simpson. “They are more modernists, so we felt that we would make them available.”
It was expected the collection would fetch somewhere around quarter of a million dollars. It made $453,000.
A 600-year-old copy of Augustine sold for $23,000 alone, while Caxton's single page of The Canterbury Tales sold for $7,000 - both to anonymous phone bidders.
Mr Simpson admits the sale of these books has freed up a bit of space in his lounge.
“But we still have a collection of non antiquarian books and we'll decide what to do with those,” he says.
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