WHAT’S IT WORTH?

Q:I would like to know the value of my book "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" by Mark Twain. What is unique is that it appears to have been signed by Mark Twain. The book is copyrighted 1917. -- J.W.

Answer: "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" by Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens) was first published in 1876. American Publishing Co. is credited for the first American edition. Only 24,000 copies were sold.

This book is a reprint published by Harper & Brothers. Classics reprinted during the first quarter of the 20th century often featured printed autographs. A first edition of Tom Sawyer sold at Sotheby's in 2003 for $54,000. This reprint is worth about $9.

Have a question about an antique or collectible? Send e-mail to with a digital image, or send a complete description with a clear photograph to Jay Moore, Flair Department, Richmond Times-Dispatch, P.O. Box 85333, Richmond, VA 23293. Photographs will not be returned. The large volume of mail may mean a delay in publishing answers.