$20 Box or $4,050 Treasure? Why Hiring a Professional Auction Company Matters

The "Splendid South Roanoke Collection" auction, held in August, was a smaller event featuring items from a local world traveler and music enthusiast. As our team started cataloging, a discovery revealed an important truth about our business: the value of expertise, even in the most unexpected places.

The story starts with our experienced appraiser, Larry, during his initial survey of the property. He was going through boxes of different items and came across some old books. It was there, hidden away, that a particular book caught his eye.

The book wasn't pristine. In fact, it had sustained some degree of water damage, a common issue for items stored for decades. The binding appeared to be from the 19th century.  Some people, seeing a damp, rebound book, might conclude its value was minimal.

But Larry’s expert eye noticed a crucial detail: the quality and style of the 19th-century rebinding indicated that the owner at the time must have valued the contents enough to invest in their preservation. His training drove him to investigate more. Larry carefully opened the volume, and what he discovered was astonishing. Although the book had been rebound and trimmed in the 19th century, the internal title page revealed its actual age and significance: 1637.

The book is a rare, early edition of a work by the renowned mathematician and philosopher René Descartes, titled "Descartes' De La Méthode." This text is not just an old book; it is a foundational pillar of modern Western thought. It is the work that included La Géométrie, which famously introduced the concept of analytical geometry, linking algebra and geometry, the very system we now know as the Cartesian coordinate system. Finding a 17th-century mathematical cornerstone by Descartes on a Roanoke estate was a monumental surprise.

This discovery serves as a powerful, real-world example of why using a professional and experienced auction company is paramount. Picture the alternative. This damaged and rebound book could have easily been thrown away or sold for twenty dollars in a box of books at a yard sale. The historical and financial loss would have been considerable. Thanks to Larry’s expertise and the meticulous process at Farmer Auctions, this rare volume was accurately identified, researched, and showcased to the appropriate audience. The 1637 Descartes sold for an impressive $4,050!

The story of Descartes' De La Méthode is a strong reminder that actual value often lies beneath the surface. At Farmer Auctions, it's our job to take a closer look, recognize the historical importance and market potential, and ensure that your treasures—no matter how damaged or unassuming they may seem—receive the value they deserve.

Do you have a collection or estate that you suspect might hold a hidden gem? Contact Farmer Auctions today for a professional evaluation.