Beatrix Potter Books & Autographs: Value Factors & How to Sell
To auction, sell or consign your Beatrix Potter books and autographs, please email your description and photos to [email protected] of Nate D. Sanders Auctions (http://www.NateDSanders.com).
Beatrix Potter & Children’s Literature
Beatrix Potter’s books, both written and illustrated by her, are a cherished childhood favorite spanning several generations. Her best known book is The Tale of Peter Rabbit about a mischievous rabbit who sneaks into Mr. McGregor’s vegetable garden and gets chased around before escaping back home. Potter is also remembered for her entrepreneur spirit and licensed her characters for merchandise. Peter Rabbit was made into a plush character and is oldest licensed character.
Some Beatrix Potter Autographs We’ve Sold:
Signed First Edition of “The Tailor of Gloucester” — Sold for $10,000
Beatrix Potter signed copy of her third book, “The Tailor of Gloucester”, Potter’s personal favorite of all her books. Published privately: London: 1902. Inscription on front free endpaper reads, “For Mr. Butler / from Beatrix Potter / Jan 16th 03″. This hardcover first edition, first impression includes 11 color plates and is one of 500 copies printed exclusively for Potter a year before the first trade edition by Frederick Warne & Co. This version of the text is longer than the first trade edition, and the cover illustration of the three mice was never used again. Measures 4.25″ x 5.25”. Tape on spine, wear to boards, and separation starting at joints. Pencil writing on front pastedown. Internal pages have some foxing and wear but are in generally clean, very good condition. A very rare, beloved children’s book. Sold for $10,000.
Signed First Edition Copy of “Roly-Poly Pudding” — Sold for $1,400
Beatrix Potter signed first edition, second issue of ”The Roly-Poly Pudding”, with presentation inscription on the half-title page, ”To Miss Rigg / in remembrance of a pleasant visit to the ferry / May 1912 / from Beatrix Potter”. London: Frederick Warne & Co., 1908. Beautiful book in red publisher’s cloth features pictorial label on front cover, gilt lettering, and 18 colored plates within. Measures 6.5” x 8.25”. Separation just starting on front and mid-joint with professional restoration at upper portion, otherwise near fine condition. Sold for $1,400.
Autograph Letter Signed From 1907 — Sold for $2,290
Beatrix Potter autograph letter signed “Beatrix Potter”, written from her home at 2 Bolton Gardens on 23 December 1907, with interesting content regarding writing to “unknown children” and her misgivings about killing a pig, “…It is rather a shame to kill them so young; one has no sentimental feeling about a large bacon pig. I have made drawings of it and a plaster model…” She writes to Millie Warne, the sister of Potter’s fiance and publisher Norman Warne, who died in 1905. Sold for $2,290.
Autograph Letter Signed About Her Ill Father — Sold for $2,056
Beatrix Potter autograph letter signed, datelined Sawrey, Ambleside on 12 March 1914, shortly after her marriage to William Heelis. She writes to Millie Warne, the sister of Potter’s fiance and publisher Norman Warne, who died in 1905. Potter writes mostly about the ill health of her father, in part, “It is a long time since I have heard where you are? You were with Edith when you last wrote I think – or she with you. I expect to be in London for a few days next week, but whether I have time for Regents Park is doubtful; I will call at the office, where I fancy I am already behindhand! I was up not long ago, but was too much worried about my father, to go anywhere. He has failed very much since Christmas and the doctor does not seem at all sure what is the matter with him – He is too old for any operation – 81 – and it is thought kindest to let him alone; he has got a good nurse, a person from Windemere whom we had before, so she knows them well. It is most unfortunate that he did not keep well till warm weather, when they had fully made up their minds to come again to Bowness – I rather hoped to settle them for good. The doctor thinks he may be moved thru later; but it will mean a good deal of travelling in the meantime. Sold for $2,056.
Autograph Letter Signed From 1914 — Sold for $1,682
Beatrix Potter autograph letter signed, dated 15 April 1914 on stationery blind-embossed with her home, “Sawrey Ambleside”. She writes to Millie Warne, the sister of Potter’s first fiance and publisher Norman Warne, who died in 1905. In this letter, Potter reflects on the ill health of her father, who would die later that year. Interestingly, she also mentions her brother Walter whose relationship with their father was troubled. Like Beatrix Potter, their parents disapproved of his marriage, but Walter was even cut out of the family will due to his marriage to Mary Scott, a former mill worker. Letter reads in full. Sold for $1,682.
Autograph Letter Signed — Sold for $1,500
Beatrix Potter autograph letter signed, written on 13 September 1917 to her niece Esther Nicholson. The famed children’s author pens a warm letter full of interesting anecdotes about her life. From Sawrey Ambleside, letter reads in full, ”My dear Esther, I was much interested to hear particulars of your exam. You have indeed done well, and I think you will go on well. Don’t spoil your eyes or health with too much reading – but you look pretty healthy. We felt quite lost with no visitors – unnecessary porridge bowls & tea cups persevered for several days. I have bought a cow to distract my thoughts. It kicks most rightfully; your Uncle devotes part of his leisure to watching the struggles, at a discreet distance. I don’t know when the girls will be able to milk it. We had quite a good day in the corn[?] yesterday – now it is better than ever – I can’t think about what will come of it – bread tidbits I should fear. I found a bib of Nancy’s, so I shall direct this letter to her; and I am not sure whether you are still at home or gone back to school – the time slips away so fast; we seem to have had no summer. ‘Dolly’ is right side up, and very lively, so I hope the fall was an accident which won’t be repeated for a bit, there will be scarcely any mark. Miss ‘Becky’ wrote the other day with 2 ‘ps.’ outside the envelope. The first to the effect that she was offering a reward for a [?] metal watch – the second to the effect that she had found it on the place – She said she wished she had a niece – poor Miss Becky! Come again some day – wet or dry. With love to your Mother & All of you from Uncle Willie & me. Your aff Aunt Beatrix Heelis”. Four page letter on bifolium, card style stationery measures 4.5” x 7” as folded. Sold for $1,500.
Autograph Letter Signed From 1941 — Sold for $1,500
Beatrix Potter autograph letter signed, with World War II content as well as personal content regarding friendship. Potter writes to her friend Maggie Ellery on 13 April 1941 from her home in Castle Cottage, Sawry in Ambleside, in part, “My dear Maggie, It was nice to see you and Martha again – Time slips away so fast, I feel ashamed when I wait so long, neglecting old friends who find pleasure in seeing me again. I ought to have come before. Lottie’s house has sold quickly – she told Mr. Heelis she would try to sell up and move out in a fortnight. She intends to go to Doncaster for a good rest and change. I should think it is likely she will settle to live near her sisters if she takes a situation again – So we will leave it at that! If she were [?] inclined to come temporary, it would be pleasant to see her again; but I doubt her moving about; she seems so very quiet- almost dull. A nice quiet person but not energetic. She said Mrs. Becket had asked her to sleep a night or two when she was leaving the home. I have written to her, and I mentioned your wish to see her. This is a good spring rain for lambs and grass, though not warm yet. / I do hope you will soon feel stronger; there is nothing for it but rest, and patience – The news is very anxious – it looks like a long war, and terrible fighting. When the Germans conquer another country to eat up – it helps them to last a while longer – Their time will come. The Psalms were fine this morning…With kind regards to yrs & Martha, yrs sincerely / Beatrix Heelis”. Two page letter measures 6″ x 7.875″. Separation starting at folds and mild soiling; overall very good condition. Accompanied by a letter from Potter’s husband, William Heelis, dated 8 April 1939 just after returning from the hospital following Beatrix Potter’s hysterectomy operation. Sold for $1,500.
This wraps up our Beatrix Potter autograph letters and books! Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or would like to sell your Beatrix Potter items.
FAQs
How do I consign or sell my Beatrix Potter autograph?
It’s never been easier to sell your Beatrix Potter autograph at Nate D. Sanders Auctions. Email a description and photos of your item to [email protected] and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can with a free appraisal.
This sounds great and I’d like to move forward. What’s the consignment process like at Nate D. Sanders Auctions?
We’ll send you more information about our auction house along with an agreement for your review. Your item will appear in our next auction. Unlike many auction houses, we hold monthly auctions and pay you within an industry-leading 45 days following the auction.
What factors determine the value of a Beatrix Potter autograph?
The value of your autograph can vary based on condition, subject matter and the type of item that is signed.