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QAown a hardback first edition of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Is this book of any value please? Claire Chester, Northallerton, via email This has become almost a sector in its own right – Rowling redefined the children’s book business. The identification of a true first impression (i.e. first ever print run) of a first edition requires a little inspection to ensure it’s the first UK edition, and has all the numbers 10 to 1, usually on the reverse of the title page.
Some first editions just say that, on the print line – as should this copy. Later editions have the number line. The fourth Harry Potter title, Goblet of Fire was published by Bloomsbury in 2000. There is also the less common Omnia printing.
In terms of value, plenty of these were printed as Harry Potter fever had by then swept the globe. As such, despite being a first and littered with minor errors, it is a gem but worth only £50 to £100 in unread, perfect condition. The dust jacket must also be totally as new.
It’s far harder to find a signed copy – these can fetch £1,500 to £2,000 in perfect condition with a proof of signature (such as a Golden Ticket to the Harrods signing event).
If you have a UK first edition of book one, 1997’s The Philosopher’s Stone, in fine or nearfine condition, laugh all the way to the bank. It’s worth a fortune! Only around 500 first edition/ first impressions were ever printed. I was wondering if you could value my dad’s old toaster please. It’s chrome-looking and antique. Joan Reed (on behalf of Henry Reed), via email It is definitely a very early electric toaster – it’s got a slight Art Deco (1925) look but is possibly more Edwardian – possibly World War One era (1914 to 1918). It’s the sort you might see on Downton Abbey and would have been for the lucky few who could afford a double-sided toaster – and electricity. I’d suggest a value of £50 or so, but check the rules on selling such old electrical items. This may be a serious electrical risk and should likely never be plugged in.