Considering the old style winter (lots of snow) we are experiencing, I thought it appropriate to discuss vintage "how to" trapping books.
When snow is deep, fur bearing animals have to expend more energy in pursuit of food. Such conditions favor the knowledgeable trapper. Although we no longer have the need to trap, that wasn't the case back in the 1800s and early 1900s. Many individuals made their living trapping animals with fur that was in demand by the upper class. Those who wear fur know how warm it is.
Consider the common whitetail deer. Each hair on their body is hollow and traps air to keep them warm. Even with top of the line clothes, when humans sit on snow it melts indicating heat loss. Humans are ill adapted to cold weather without the assistance of warm clothing.
There are a number of issues to consider before selling or buying old trapping books. Here are just a few. Make note most early trapping books are soft cover. Two important aspects of vintage trapping books are publication date and edition number. As with any book, the first edition will be the most valuable. My experience with trapping books is the earlier publication date the better. If there are numerous edition runs it indicates the book was successful. Always search for that first edition. You should know many old trapping books have no date or edition run indicated within their pages. That usually means a private individual, for whatever reason, published the book. It doesn't mean the publication is not valuable. What it does require is more effort on your part to research when it was offered to the public.
Older books were made much differently than they are today. Old trapping books were often bound with heavy staples. Check the inside cover for such binding techniques. An indicator of an old book (if no date is found) is heavy rust on those staples. Look for a "yellowing" of pages, which indicates age. Pages should seem to have a more course and heavy feel to them as compared to contemporary publications.
ADVERTISEMENT
Even the odor of the book can indicate age. It can smell musty, moldy and the like. Often a sign it has been in storage for quite some time.
Last, older books with color covers and old-style artwork will demand more money whether buying or selling. Better still is good quality hand drawn artwork within the book.
Some names to look for which seem to be collectible include, A.R. Harding Publishing Co., S. Stanley Hawbakers, The Science of Trapping by E, Kreps, O.L. Butcher, The Trapper Magazine, E.J. Dailey to name just a few. You will find books from the early 1900s to current day on the open market.
Value of vintage trapping books is still within reach of the common person. Books from the early 1900s through the 1930s seem to be in demand at the current time. I believe there are two reasons for this. They are relatively easy to find and reasonably priced. Most will run $5 to $20.
Condition is paramount in terms of value. Good black and white artwork within the pages of the book will add additional value. Add color and great artwork, especially on the cover, and the price can double.
I have looked at some soft cover trapping books offered in the $70 range. Best places to find such books are antique shops, flea markets and of course eBay. I am confident, there are many desirable trapping books sitting in forgotten places in our immediate area. Not only are they collectible, but they are a great read during these long winter days. Until next time, may all your searches be successful.
