Hello... 0

[Hibou]

Good evening Pulp World.   So many questions...

A new adventure begins.

Edited February 20, 2023 by Hibou

[OtherEric]

Ask away, we have lots of answers.

Some of them may even match your questions!

[waaaghboss]

1.  42

2.  A process of inbred fertilization which employs certain decomposed organic materials--including but not limited to animal sediment--to blanket an area in which vegetation is desired. The procedure enriches the soil for the stimulated plant's development while, at the same time, preventing erosion and decreasing the evaporation of moisure from the ground.

3.  Why not?

[Hibou]

Ok, I'll start with this... around 12 years ago I lightly got into pulps here on the boards and started a small collection which I eventually sold off with the exception of a couple of random Weird Tales. Well, within the past 5 months, the pulp bug has returned with a vengeance and has bitten me hard.  Actually, so much so that comics kind of feel secondary to me now, which is so strange to write.

So that being said, as I'm looking at more and more of these pulps, I've quickly come to the conclusion that you can not assign the same criteria in grading these as you would comics. What I mean is that a VG (4.0) is not in comics what it is in pulps.  Am I correct in assuming that?  And am I also correct in assuming that repairs and 'modifications' do not carry the same stigma in pulps as they do in comics?

 

[Hibou]

Just a little more information about how I got here.  It's finally dawned on me how everything that I've ever loved about comics and the characters within, stem from pulps to a large degree and that has fascinated me.  This wasn't some new revelation, as it's been often written about, but when you actually see it and feel it... it's quite an amazing experience. 

That's the first part... the second part is wanting to reacquire (and successfully doing so) a book that I sold around 12 years ago that I originally purchased from @Theagenes

Here is the purchase from 2011...

 

 

And ultimately the sale...

 

 

This is the replacement that I purchased...

 

 

And finally... having stumbled upon this incredible collection of pulps that appeared at my LCS almost 2 months ago.  This may sound strange, but after coming to the conclusion that this may have been an original owner collection, I seriously 'fell in love' with them and was able to come away with this 1938 set of Weird Tales.

 

 

 

And I'll just add in this incredible picture from 1935... this is how I got here, in a nutshell. 

I am leaving out one big detail, involving one particular title, but I'll get to that later.

 

 

 

 

[waaaghboss]

There seems to be a bit less stigma about condition of pulps, but it varies greatly from collector to collector.  If you're finding yourself more interested in pulps, I'd highly recommend the bookery guide, as I find it to be an invaluable reference.   It also covers grading criteria.

[Hibou]

Thanks!

I saw Bookery's Guide mentioned in another thread but I see it's not available on Amazon. Is there another source?

I haven't checked eBay yet...

[OtherEric]

On 2/20/2023 at 10:14 AM, Hibou said:

Thanks!

I saw Bookery's Guide mentioned in another thread but I see it's not available on Amazon. Is there another source?

I haven't checked eBay yet...

Unfortunately, the initial run sold out and according to @Bookery there's no plans to reprint it currently.

[waaaghboss]

That's wild, I can't find a copy for sale anywhere.  Might have to start taking better care of my copy, figured I'd replace it if it fell apart but now I might not be able to. 

[Hibou]

Here's another question... as I was looking through other threads from various chat boards, I found a discussion about sealing bags vs. leaving them open in order for them to 'breathe'.  Is that really a thing?

[Northwest]

On 2/20/2023 at 3:26 PM, Hibou said:

Here's another question... as I was looking through other threads from various chat boards, I found a discussion about sealing bags vs. leaving them open in order for them to 'breathe'.  Is that really a thing?

In older books and magazines, paper, adhesive and inks contain different volatile organic compounds which break down and are released into the air (known as off-gasing). The storage environment plays a role in the velocity of this process. For example too much heat or light can accelerate the process.  So over time, one needs to ensure bags and cases get replaced - microchamber paper can help since it is designed with molecular traps to neutralize these byproducts (which is why it's inside of slabs).

Edited February 21, 2023 by Northwest

[Bookery]

On 2/20/2023 at 2:20 AM, Hibou said:

So that being said, as I'm looking at more and more of these pulps, I've quickly come to the conclusion that you can not assign the same criteria in grading these as you would comics. What I mean is that a VG (4.0) is not in comics what it is in pulps.  Am I correct in assuming that?  And am I also correct in assuming that repairs and 'modifications' do not carry the same stigma in pulps as they do in comics?

 

Actually, pulps are pretty much graded the same as comics.  It's just that with pulps, a vg (4.0) is a pretty decent grade.  A collection in 6.0 should make its owner proud.  The occasional 8.0 is great to have in a collection, but shooting for such a grade across the board is not very practical, unless you are only collecting limited titles or late-era pulps.  As for repair, etc., yes... there are some different criteria.  Trimming in comics in a huge defect.  But in pulps (as long as it's just the cover being trimmed, not the entire book) is not as huge a deal... pulps with light cover-trim can still come in at 4.0.  Tape repairs (esp. if old) may still be graded as comics (3.0, 4.0, depending upon degree, or less if extensive) but are often accepted as a fact-of-life with pulp collectors.  I haven't seen a lot of color-touch over the years on pulps... but as interest spreads, I assume we will see more.  I would think it would have the same effect as on comics... big impact on higher grades, less-so on books already in low grade.  Glued spines generally not a big deal, since they were glued to begin with (unlike comics), if done carefully and with proper materials.  

[Bookery]

On 2/20/2023 at 1:18 PM, OtherEric said:

Unfortunately, the initial run sold out and according to @Bookery there's no plans to reprint it currently.

Heritage published the 2020 volume, so out of my hands as far as print-run is concerned.  I was told they printed 500 copies... so the pulp guide is actually rarer than many pulps!  Because pulp prices exploded even as the guide was being printed, I think they figured it was already out-of-date.  But many potential buyers wanted it for the issue data more than just pricing (Heritage still quotes the prices in their auction listings, though the results are often multiples of the guide values).  The 2005 guide, also out of print, had a larger print-run, and so turns up ate ABE and eBay from time-to-time.  The 2020 guide is better-looking (Heritage did a great job with the layout) and has more data, but is all but impossible to obtain at this point.  

[Bookery]

I don't think Heritage will care if I post the grading section (sans photos) from the 2020 guide here, just in case it could be of use to new collectors...

*** GRADING ***

       Many of you will acquire a guide such as this simply for the reference data incorporated, with little or no interest in pricing.  But for those interested in evaluating their own collections (an important process for insurance purposes) or for determining a reasonable range for purchasing from dealers or bidding at auctions, knowing how to grade is essential.

       As mentioned previously, there are three grading columns, "good" (2.0), "very good" (4.0), and "very fine" (8.0).  Many pulps will actually fall into grades even lower than the first column "good" valuation, a grade considered typical for most issues that occasionally still turn up in original-owner collections.  Pulps in true "very good" collection are often the best grade one is likely to turn up, especially for scarcer titles.  "Very Fine" is a grade obtainable for some saddle-stitched magazine formats, and for digests particularly from the 1960s, but it is quite rare for true pulp-format publications, and likely non-existent for many specific or especially early issues.  Unless a collection is from a major (and usually well-documented) discovery or estate, large listings of pulps in "very fine" (or better!) condition may be dubious.

      For this edition we have added a numbering system to the grading definitions.  This has not been historically standard for pulp grading, but such systems are now employed for most popular collectibles, and are listed here for the benefit of the collector.  Some dealers will use them and others will not-- but the systems are interchangeable and equally valid.  Both terms and numbers are listed below.  The 9-point scale below is similar to that used for comics, and there are parallels between the two in terms of general eye-appeal.  It is often claimed that pulp condition is not graded the same as comics, but this is not necessarily true.  It is simply that pulps will rarely be found in the same high-grade conditions that comics will.  Whereas a high-grade collector of comics may seek out 8.0 grades (or above) even for golden-age issues, the grade conscious pulp collector will generally accept a 6.0 (or sometimes lower) as a prized copy, especially for older or scarcer issues.  Unlike with comics, however, it is the opinion of this author that the half-grades (or decimal grades) common with comics are not useful with the more fragile nature of pulps.

 POOR (0.5):  An incomplete copy, coverless or missing pages, or brittle or otherwise damaged beyond reasonable readability.  Coverless copies in otherwise decent condition are often desired as reading copies as long as they are inexpensive.  But heavily damaged or abused issues have little or no collectible value.

 FAIR (1.0):  Generally considered below collectible grade unless rare or in high demand.  A "fair" copy may be missing a back cover or a title or advertising page, but all story pages must be intact.  Outer pulp edges may be brittle in places, but the overall pages must be solid enough to turn without undue risk of tearing or breaking apart.  Pages might be especially darkened, or exhibit damp-staining.  An otherwise complete and even supple copy may be marred by numerous cover stress-lines and tears, excessive edge-trimming or chipping, etc.  Value is generally about half or less of the "good" price.

 GOOD (2.0):  Represented by the 1st pricing column in this guide, "good" is the typical used but not abused issue, and the grade most commonly encountered in non-specialist venues such      as flea markets, garage sales, or standard estate auctions.  A "good" issue often has a number of cover creases and/or reading stress-lines, but not so many as to make the book as unattractive as a "fair". Pages may be tanned, but should exhibit only minor flaking if any.  Spine-lettering may be substantially flaked and chipped, but the spine should not be completely damaged or missing.  A taped spine, or interior-taped tears are not uncommon, as long as the tape is unobtrusive and the glue has not seriously damaged the book.  The cover-overhang may be heavily chipped or trimmed away altogether.

GOOD to VERY GOOD  (3.0):  An item falling somewhere between the former and following grading levels.

 VERY GOOD (4.0): This grade is represented by the 2nd pricing column in this guide, and is the minimal standard sought by many serious collectors, and with some pulps is the highest obtainable grade.  "Very good" is also a designation most often over-graded by book owners and some dealers.  A "very good" is actually an above average copy in many cases.  Covers should be reasonably bright without unusual fading.  Pages may be lightly tanned, yellowed or off-white, but should be mostly supple with only a hint of edge-flaking here and there.  Tape may be present only in small amounts, such as the spine corners, or a small interior tear.  The cover may be slightly separated from the spine edges, but should not exceed an inch or two, and the overall book must be solid.  Vertical reading stress lines near the spine are common, as are small corner creases.  The overhang may be chipped or have multiple tears, but generally should still be present. However the 4.0 grade is the highest-grade generally given to a pulp that has been trimmed (after publication), if it is done neatly.  The spine should be at least 50% intact.  No pages can be missing.  Although a "very good" book may have one or more of the above defects, this does not mean it should have an abundance of them, or should have such an accumulation of defects as to mar its general attractiveness.  In particular, the main body of the cover should not be damaged so as to unduly detract from the art.

 VERY GOOD TO FINE (5.0):   An item falling somewhere between the former and following grading levels.

FINE (6.0):  Whereas "fine" may be considered a mid-grade comic book, here it represents what is often the highest possible grade for many early pulp-format publications, though the general appearance will be about the same.  The spine should be 75% or more intact, and generally clean.  The book should not be overly dull, and the pulp overhang, if applicable to the issue, should be present with small chips and tears that would come from routine shelf-wear.  A 6.0 book should not be artificially trimmed. Tape (or tape-stains) are generally not allowed, though a very small piece may be permissible on an otherwise beautiful copy.  Pages may not be their original white, but should be creamy or lightly yellowed.  If a pulp has an outstanding and near-flawless cover, but has significantly darkened or brittle interior pages, it is not a "fine".  Some general cover scuffing and corner-creasing is allowed, but the book should appear like a 6.0 golden-age comic would... bright, tight, and attractive, with the look of having been carefully read once or twice, then decently stored.  Early pulps are often scarce in this condition, but '40s and '50s pulps are not overly rare in 6.0, and stapled-magazine format publications and factory-trimmed digests can often be located in this grade, though a lot is dependent upon the quality of the paper stock.  A 6.0 book will usually be priced about halfway between the "very good" and "very fine" columns.

 FINE TO VERY FINE (7.0):  A highly-attractive issue that falls just short of the "very fine" classification.

 VERY FINE (8.0):  This grade is represented by the 3rd pricing column in this guide.  A "very fine" is fairly close to the same condition as the day it arrived at the newsstand, regardless of the issue's age.  The book has only very small flaws.  Pages should be white or at least off-white. The spine must be fully intact and unfaded.  No trimming, tape, or glue repairs are permitted.  Small tears may be in the over-hang, but no pieces are missing.  Bedsheet and pulp issues should have straight, un-warped spines.  Magazines will not exhibit rusting to the staples.  With rare exceptions, this is as good as it gets for most pulp-format publications.

VERY FINE TO NEAR MINT (9.0):  This grade would rarely come into play, though there have been a few examples and collections over the years that would qualify.  This is essentially a newsstand-fresh copy, with only the smallest loss of whiteness to the pages possibly allowed from the passage of time.  What few flaws permitted in the 8.0 grade would generally be absent here.  Pricing may or may not be substantially different from an 8.0, however.  Less expensive or in-demand pulps such as many westerns, romances, or even later Argosy, Blue Books, etc., might be valued little differently than the "very fine" grade.  Some magazines and later digests will turn up in this grade, and may bring the same or only slightly higher prices than an 8.0.  But some art-intensive pulps, such as certain science-fiction titles, hero pulps, weird-menace, or "spicy" titles do rarely occur as newsstand fresh copies, and these often will bring significant premiums beyond those listed in this volume.

 

[Hibou]

Thank you so much for that information. I was wondering about how missing back covers factor into grading... this copy was affordable because it is missing the back cover. The tape reinforcement matches the others in this lot that I looked through, including those 1938 issues.

 

Edited February 22, 2023 by Hibou

[waaaghboss]

On 2/21/2023 at 9:07 PM, Hibou said:

Thank you so much for that information. I was wondering about how missing back covers factor into grading... this copy was affordable because it is missing the back cover. The tape reinforcement matches the others in this lot that I looked through, including those 1938 issues.

 

Such a great book to have.  Tower of the Elephant, my fav conan sstory. 

[Hibou]

Sorry... I've been a bit distracted.

I'm guessing a "Bed Sheet" is an oversized pulp prior to 1930?

I've looked up this year's Pulp Fest and as it coincides with my vacation, I'm thinking a summer destination to Pittsburgh, PA might be in the works this year.  My question is this, as I've been to numerous Comic Conventions, are Pulp Fests similar in terms of the cross interest?  What I mean is that with Comic Cons, you get a lot of comics and toys but with a Pulp Fest, do you get pulps and other types of promotional material?