PLEASE BE SURE TO READ THE PAYMENT DETAILS AT THE END OF THIS LISTING.
This book was obtained recently at an estate sale in Northern California. The home where I purchased this book was just full of old western items including Charles Russell statues, paintings, saddles, dishes, etc. The contents of the house reminded me of a western museum and believe me that this book was all that I could afford there.
The complete title is "Longhorn Trail Drivers, Being A True Story Of The Cattle Drives of Long Ago". It is written by Frank M. King. Mr. King signed the book on one of the first pages, under his photograph. The signature reads "Frank M. King, Cowhand Author". The publishing info states "This First Edition Privately Published For His Friends By The Author 1940". While researching this book out on the net, I've seen statements that there were only 400 of these books published. I also see one that sold for over $650. Several months ago one of our local historical societies had a street fair and had three historical appraisers there. The public was allowed to bring 3 items for an appraisal. This book is one of the items I took. Two of the three people examined the book and both put a value of $500 to $600 on it. I chose not to pay for the written appraisal, although now wish I had.
There are 272 pages, has illustrations and a maroon cloth hardback cover. The inside front cover shows a drawing of a cattle drive, the inside back cover has map of cattle drive trails.
Frank King was friends to many notable western cowboy figures, including Charles Russell. He provides first hand accounts on many of these cowboys.
CONDITION:
--As you can see in my photos, the previous owner applied a cover. Looking inside the cover it says that it is a "plasti-clear mylar cover" and that it is for "library efficiency". On the inside of the book covers, both front and back, this mylar cover was taped to hold it in place. I believe you can see in my photo of the book standing on end, how the tape was applied to the cover. I do not know if the tape can be removed but I would imagine that a book dealer would know the correct way to remove it without damaging the cover.
--Also, looking at my photo that shows the pages with the signature on the left and the title page on the right, you'll see where the page is separating from the binding. That is the only place where I see any separation.
--Other than the pages yellowing with age, I don't see any other problems. I don't see any torn pages, nor did I see any writing or other marks on the pages.
DELIVERY CHARGE:
If you are located in or near the San Francisco or Sacramento California areas, you can pick up the book and avoid the delivery charges.
The delivery charge will be $20. Before you think this is excessive, that charge includes:
*I will not mail this via media mail, it will mail out by USPS Priority Mail. It should weigh 3 pounds with packing materials. I am in Northern California and even if I mail it to the next city, the cost would be $6.40.... East coast would be upwards towards $10.
*Mandatory insurance. I'm guess that insurance will cost around $6 for over $300 of coverage.
*Signature confirmation will be mandatory, you will have to sign to receive the package. Signature confirmation costs $2.20.
So there you have it. Of that $20 being charged for postage, depending on your distance from California, $15.00 to $18.40 will be used for postage purposes. Some of the remainder will go towards packaging, gas, etc. If I make an extra dollar or two, that will be nice also.