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Two Unique Publishers' Agent Specimen Books (circa 1912)
Guns International #: 103198488 Seller's Inventory #:
Category: Books and Magazines -
Seller's Information
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Seller: James Carr's Antique Guns and Collectibles
Member Since: 3/8/15
First Name: James
Last Name: Carr
State: Colorado
Zip: 81403
Country: United States
Phone: (703) 431-3159
Premium Seller
Number of Active Listings: 26
Total Number of Listings: 148
Seller: Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: Zelle, money orders or checks with cleared funds
Description:
Salesman's sample or dummy books, also called "blads." were specimen books used by itinerant publisher's agents to entice customers to purchase a copy of a literary work in advance of its publication and delivery. This form of marketing was common in America during the years starting just before the Civil War and continuing through the 1920's.
A typical specimen book consisted of sample sheets contained in a sample binding. The content ran some 20-30 pages and contained text and pictures which would entice a customer to sign up for purhase of the actual book to be published and delivered shortly.The sample book might also include a printed prospectus describing the virtues of the work or edition with recommendations from well-known persons. A customer could choose among alternative styles of binding and other options for his copy. At the end of each such book was a blank form on which the salesman entered the names, address,, and the number of copies his subscribers agreed to purchase.
The two examples up for sale were both produced in 1912. One solicited the coming publication of a detailed story of the Titanic's sinking. The other detailed an extrordinary number of deadly natural disasters that had racked the country in the prior year. Each is original and complete, showing wear consistent with age and use.
The $85 price listed includes both books and free shipping to an address within the continental United States. Payment is by Zelle, money order, or cleared personal check.
Price: $85.00