Collectable Antique Prints - Market Prices April 2019

The pleasure in collecting antique prints is enormous and every one tells its own story. The range of subjects covered is almost endless. Just about everything that people have ever done is reflected in the print.  The variety of prints produced means there is just about something for everyone and many antique prints are still enjoyed today proudly on display in the collectors home.  

​So what about prices? Just like with map collecting there are a range of factors that together determine and influence prices. You have dealers, auctions, serious collectors, casual collectors, institutions and people who buy prints simply as decorative items.  Nowadays you often get interior designers picking up prints in auction for some specific home refurbishment project or looking to add that touch of the ‘unique’ to their interior design theme. All these factors create fluctuation in the overall market and differing prices.

Here’s a look at some recent sale prices of antique prints from just a handful of popular subjects. Most are stocked by regular print dealers and  as with anything, the more scarce an item the more likely you are to pay a premium price.

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Ackermann R. (publisher). A collection of approximately 210 engravings, originally published in the ‘Microcosm of London’, [1808 - 1810], aquatints by Stadler, Sunderland, Bluck and Hill, all with contemporary hand colouring, numerous duplicates, each approximately 250 x 300 mm.   SOLD: £580

If Rodolph Ackermann prints from the 'Microcosm of London' are of interest you can find more on this website HERE

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 Audubon (John James). The Birds of America, 1827 - 1838, 3 volumes (only), Johnson Reprint Corporation [and] Theatrum Orbis Terrarum Ltd., New York & Amsterdam, 1972, three volumes broken and partially disbound but retaining 130 (of 435) colour photolithographic plates, occasional creasing to margins, elephant folio. Sold as a collection of plates, not subject to return. (3)  SOLD: £620

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Berwick-uon-Tweed. Buck (Samuel & Nathaniel), The South Prospect of Berwick upon Tweed 1745, [but 1775 edition published by R. Sayer], uncoloured engraved panoramic prospect, 320 x 820mm (1)  SOLD: £660

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​Rawstorne, Lawrence, Gamonia: or, The Art of Preserving Game; and an Improved Method of Making Plantations and Covers, explained and Illustrated, with fifteen coloured drawings by J.T.Rawlins, taken on the spot, 1st edition, published for the proprietor, by Rudolph Ackermann, Eclipse Sporting Gallery, 1837,15 fine hand-coloured aquatint plates (as listed), half-title present, several gathers slightly protruding, errata slip bound in at rear, all edges gilt, original publisher’s gilt-decorated green full morocco, rubbed to joints and edges, spine somewhat darkened, 8vo Abbey Life, 392; Tooley 393 (the original publisher’s binding as described).(1)  SOLD: £400

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​Vanity Fair Cricketers. A collection of 30 caricatures originally published in ‘Vanity Fair, late 19th & early 20th century,lithographic and photolithographic cartoons after ‘Spy’, ‘WH’, ‘Lib’,Stuff’and others, including a duplicate of ‘Repton, Oxford & Somerset’ (both dust soiled and scuffed), occasional marginal spotting, each approximately 340 x 210mm The collection includes Dillon, Hobbs (both states), W. G. Grace, Lord Hawke, Bonner and Spofforth, all in very good condition.(30)  SOLD £1500.00

You can find a selection of Vanity Fair prints on this website HERE.

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Caricatures. A mixed collection of twenty-five cartoons & caricatures, 18th & 19th century, etched, engraved and lithographic caricatures, including examples by Doyle, Rowlandson(including Dr. Syntax and The English Dance of Death). Phillips, Darley, Cruikshank, Brookes, Tregear, after Gillray [and] Fores(publisher), various sizes and condition, all mounted (25)  SOLD: £320.00

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The prices achieved for these prints at auction are closer to what is known as a 'dealer' price.  All would cost you more if you were buying retail from a reputable antique print dealer.  If you have an interesting print buying experience please tell us about it by leaving a comment below.....
Thanks as always to Dominic Winter Auctions for print images and auction results.  More HERE.