Hobbies And Interests
Things You'll Need
Instructions
How Much Is That Old Magazine Worth?
Buy a copy of Richard Clear's book, "Old Magazine Identification and Value Guide" ($6 new on Amazon). Look at hundreds of examples of antique magazines, their date of publication, the publisher and a price range indicating value. For example: Ace Detective, 6/1936 to 12/1936, Springfield Publishers, Springfield, Mass, $40 to $80.
Read the "Book and Magazine Grading Guide" that is reviewed on eBay. (See the link in Resources.) It gives the general terms used by most online booksellers to describe the condition of books or magazines they are selling. For perfect copies in like-new condition, the grade is Fine, Very Fine, Like New or Mint. The Fine grade can include copies without defects, even if pages are no longer crisp. Below that come Near Fine, Very Good and Good, which represent an average copy with minor wear and some markings. Anything worse than Good, such as Fair or Poor, is really not collectible or sellable, unless it is extremely rare. Poor, the worst grade, is for a copy with mildew, water damage, brittle pages and sections or pages missing.
See covers for magazines of a bygone era, or even search for images like the ones on magazines you have in your possession, at MagazineArt.org. (Follow the link in Resources.) This is a free visual database of magazine cover art from the 19th and early 20th centuries, including general-interest magazines, women's magazines and health, fitness, humor and pulp magazines (including detective, horror and science-fiction titles). This will give you an idea of the rarity of magazines you own.
Do a search for the artist, publisher or author of any old magazines. For instance, you can search for a Saturday Evening Post issue illustrated by Normal Rockwell. This Rockwell war poster was one of a series done to sell war bonds and was also included in The Saturday Evening Post, the most prestigious magazine of its era. Over 47 years, Rockwell created 321 covers for the Post. There are collectors who specialize in Rockwell art and magazine covers.
Go on eBay and look for copies of magazines similar to yours in age, condition or name, to see the opening bids. Note the booksellers specializing in vintage and antique publications and contact them to see if they buy old magazines to resell, and how much they offer. Of course, you can auction your own antique magazines, based on eBay guidelines.