Thanks for adding to the history! Where and when did you obtain the coverless copy? It just seems to have magically appeared one year in the guide? Can you also indicate, if you would, the cost?
The coverless copy was auctioned by Sotheby's New York in 1991, in a lot that included a Marvel Comics #1 front cover. If you have the catalog from the 12/18/91 auction, it's lot #48. I saw this copy in person a few years later at WonderCon, maybe 1996 or 1997. I don't remember who had it, or even if it was truly for sale or just window bait, but at the time I didn't really have the cash to make an offer. Since then, I was told Dr. Dave Anderson had owned it, who sold it to another collector who eventually sold it to me, around 2001 I think. Being coverless makes it the least desirable copy, but I was delighted to finally own one.
Very helpful provenance, thanks!!!
We really should check our old auction catalogues!
Lot #48: Marvels Comics #1 Cover, with October date intact. Together with interior of Motion Picture Funnies Weekly No. 1 with ink crossovers to First Funnies, on all three locations at bottom of copyright paragraph on first page of comic indicates that they are from the Estate of Lloyd Jacquet; condition very good. $1,000 - $4,000
And there was also a complete copy that was offered:
Lot #46: Motion Picture Funnies Weekly No. 1, with cover for Nos. 2, 3, 4. April 1939, origin and first printed appearance of Sub-Mariner by Bill Everett, reprinted in Marvel Mystery No. 1 with color added; only seven known copies with minor restoration to interior spine, paper quality on this copy is slight tanning (it should be noted that most copies have severe yellowing of paper), most likely best interior paper found on any copy, condition fine. $2,000 - $4,000
Lot #46 sold on 12/18/91 for $4,950.
Lot #48 sold on 12/18/91 for $2,200.
How are people interpreting what is written in Lot #46; is it saying this copy alone has restoration or that all seven known copies have minor restoration? I think it is simply confusing grammar and that it is just this copy that is being referenced.
It sounds like to me they are referring to the copy that is being sold but missed a comma or it would have read something like:
Lot #46: Motion Picture Funnies Weekly No. 1, with cover for Nos. 2, 3, 4. April 1939, origin and first printed appearance of Sub-Mariner by Bill Everett, reprinted in Marvel Mystery No. 1 with color added; only seven known copies, this one with minor restoration to interior spine, paper quality on this copy is slight tanning (it should be noted that most copies have severe yellowing of paper), most likely best interior paper found on any copy, condition fine. $2,000 - $4,000