Thirteen years ago, on September 3rd, the Americana Exchange was launched into a world of printed materials that liked things the way they were. Some few, the founders and 40 paid members, mostly dealers, saw in the distance an information based future. AE was an experiment and would remain so for some time - until its presence in the world of rare books, manuscripts, maps and ephemera became widely accepted. That acceptance has been hard won.
Over these thirteen years the economics of collectibles have been tested severely. Listing sites have made it possible to see the massive passive quantities for sale. “If you are interested this book is available!” In fact, something like two hundred million items are for sale. Such quantities demand clarification and today the Rare Book Hub Transaction Database is providing it. What others have had to say about an item, how many times it has surfaced and how many times it sold, when and for what; all this information is important and arguably essential. And today it is instant.
The challenge has been to build a database valuable enough to attract an audience. Initially we concentrated on basic reference materials, incorrectly assuming that saving members' time would easily justify membership. We also initially focused on Americana but shifted to an all-collectible printed materials approach in 2004. We also covered a narrower group of auctions at the outset but have expanded coverage to all appropriate well-described lots worldwide.
In other words we have embraced change as the single most important constant for the site.
Looking ahead we see simpler searches and more scale and speed. We inhabit a world today we did not anticipate but now, 4,745 days in, we are the thoroughbred in full gallop.
To those who have supported the enterprise we offer our thanks. To those who will join in the year ahead you have our commitment to support your efforts.
Gros & Delettrez, June 12: LETTRE ENCYCLIQUE, manuscrit XIXe siècle
Gros & Delettrez, June 12: NOUVEAU TESTAMENT, Amsterdam 1668, reliure arménienne
Doyle The Collection of Mary Tyler Moore June 4, 2025
DOYLE: Peter Max, Portrait of Mary Tyler Moore (Versions 1,2, 5, 6), 2001. Estimate $10,000-15,000
DOYLE: The iconic screen-used wall-mounted "M" from The Mary Tyler Moore Show. Estimate $5,000-8,000
DOYLE: The Mary Tyler Moore Show by Al Hirschfeld. Estimate $4,000-6,000
Doyle The Collection of Mary Tyler Moore June 4, 2025
DOYLE: Annie Leibovitz presents Mary Tyler Moore and Dick Van Dyke for Vanity Fair. Estimate $4,000-6,000
DOYLE: Al Hirschfeld presents Mary Tyler Moore and Dick Van Dyke in the CBS Wednesday Night Lineup. Estimate $4,000-6,000
DOYLE: Richard McKenzie, Portrait of Mary Tyler Moore. Estimate $1,000-2,000
Doyle The Collection of Mary Tyler Moore June 4, 2025
DOYLE: Three Original Bill Hargate Costume Designs for The Mary Tyler Moore Hour. Estimate $600-800
DOYLE: The famous Bonnie and Clyde "Wanted" broadside. Estimate $500-800
DOYLE: Ticket to the Final Episode of the Mary Tyler Moore Show Estimate $400-600
Sotheby's Bibliothèque Jacques Dauchez - Autour de Dubuffet
5-19 June
Sotheby’s, June 5-19: Bissière, Roger. Cantique à notre frère soleil de saint François. 1954. 1,000 - 1,500 EUR
Sotheby’s, June 5-19: Céline, Louis-Ferdinand. La vie & l’œuvre de Philippe Ignace Semmelweis. 1924. Rare édition originale, avec envoi. Joint : La Quinine en thérapeutique, 1925. 4,000 - 6,000 EUR
Sotheby’s, June 5-19: Céline, Louis-Ferdinand. Mort à crédit. 1936. Édition originale. Bel exemplaire sur Hollande. 2,500 - 3,500 EUR
Sotheby's Bibliothèque Jacques Dauchez - Autour de Dubuffet
5-19 June
Sotheby’s, June 5-19: Chillida, Eduardo ─ Emil Cioran. Face aux instants. 1985. Un des 100 exemplaires sur Arches. Eau-forte signée. 600 - 800 EUR
Sotheby’s, June 5-19: Dubuffet, Jean. Ler dla canpane. L’Art Brut, 1948. Édition originale. 3,000 - 5,000 EUR
Sotheby’s, June 5-19: Dubuffet, Jean. L'Herne Jean Dubuffet. 1973. Un des 100 exemplaires du tirage de luxe avec une sérigraphie originale en couleurs. 1,000 - 1,500 EUR
