Q: Hello, we have a copy of “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” with the box. The binding is much different than others we have seen from this era [Date of T.P. 1897] The binding is printed cloth in several colors with Dutch people, windmills, etc. Red and black paper labels on the front and spine. White endpapers, color frontis, other color and B & W illus. 160 pp. plus ads. Measures 6.75 X 5.25 inches.

The box has a paper floral top. A paper label on the side of the box say’s “NO.2 Altemus Boys and Girls Classics Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland.”

We cannot find an Altemus copy with this binding anywhere. The book itself is Near Fine. Can we assume this is a rare variant binding? Would you have a est. value?

Thank you for your help and excellent website.

A: Your book can be found here: http://henryaltemus.com/series/series57.htm

This is not a rare binding variant. The binding you describe can be seen in its entirety in the picture section as Swatch 1.

I have seen several designs on the box. They are also shown in the picture section.

Estimating the value is a difficult proposition. Some very common Altemus titles sometimes sell for a multiple of what I think they are worth on one day. On the next day they do not sell at all.

I would estimate a fair value for your book with the scarce box is between $25-100.