Sell, Source and Appraisals
Sell, consign, source, or appraise rare Tolkien books
By Mark Faith · Last updated:
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We buy Tolkien books
We buy Tolkien books. We are always buying rare Tolkien books. Contact us to buy one or your whole collection!
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Consignment
We sell your Tolkien books on consignment. We can sell your high value rare Tolkien books (those over £10,000) on a consignment agreement. Please contact Mark
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Sourcing
We source rare Tolkien books. We have hundreds of customers and relationships with many other sources. We can find books or confidentially source them for you. We have helped many high networth individuals or institutions acquire books discreetly. This is actually core to our business activities.
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Appraisals, Insurance and Probate
Based on our 25 years in business, we can provide official valuations for one book, or an entire Tolkien collection. After an initial assessment by email photos, we would need to examine the book in person. We charge a percentage of the value as the fee. If we eventually sell the book or books for you under sales consignment, the fee will be refunded. Per our collector guide, it is the condition that matters most to value, not just the printing. In many cases your books may be worth more than average market price. On collections, the availability of many rare copies in one location adds to the value for the convenience. Contact Mark for more information.
Frequently asked questions
Practical answers on selling, consigning, sourcing and appraising rare Tolkien books through Festival Art and Books.
Can I sell my Tolkien books directly to Mark Faith?
Yes. We are always buying rare Tolkien books, a single title or an entire collection. Email photographs and any details you have about edition, printing and condition; Mark will respond with an honest assessment and, where appropriate, an offer.
We deal in first and early printings, complete with dust jackets where applicable. If you are unsure what you have, send what you can; part of the job is identification.
When does consignment make sense?
Consignment is for high-value rare Tolkien books, typically those worth more than £10,000, where you want Mark to sell on your behalf through his established marketplace presence and collector network.
You retain ownership until the book sells; Mark handles photography, listing, buyer enquiries and secure dispatch. Contact Mark to discuss terms for your specific copy.
Can you source a specific rare edition for me?
Yes. Sourcing is a core part of the business. Mark maintains relationships with collectors, institutions and trade sources worldwide and has helped high-net-worth buyers and libraries acquire books discreetly.
If you need a particular printing, state of preservation or provenance, email what you are looking for and your budget range. Confidential enquiries are handled as a matter of course.
Do you provide official valuations for insurance or probate?
Yes. Based on 25 years in the Tolkien rare-book trade, Mark can provide official valuations for a single title or an entire collection, for insurance, probate and estate purposes.
The process usually starts with photographs and details by email, followed by an in-person examination. A fee is charged as a percentage of the assessed value; if Mark later sells the book or books for you on consignment, that fee is refunded.
Are sell and source enquiries treated confidentially?
Absolutely. Whether you are selling a family collection, consigning a museum-grade copy or commissioning a private acquisition, your enquiry is handled directly by Mark and not discussed with third parties.
Many clients prefer discretion, especially for estate sales, institutional purchases and high-value consignments. Email is the usual channel; Mark will call back when a conversation is needed.
