Prompted by a recent commenton Facebook, I set out to list the most valuable pulp issues based on realized prices. Highest prices for fine condition, lower for lower grade issues.
Did i miss something out? Probably. Let me know – leave a comment.
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Magazine
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Comments
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Cover
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Price realized (USD)
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All-Story
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Tarzan issue
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 |
59750
41825
37500
28750
23900
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Weird Tales
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First issue
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16730
13145
8365
6572
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Doc Savage
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First issue
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13200
8400
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Weird Tales
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Second issue
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7170
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Amazing Stories
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Buck Rogers issue
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6600
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Zeppelin Stories
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Gorilla of the Gasbags
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6572.50
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Weird Tales
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Bedsheet issues VG+
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   |
4000-5000
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Lone RangerTales
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Eight issues
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14101
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Weird Tales
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First Conan
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 |
5377
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Weird Tales
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Batwoman
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4481
1560 |
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Saucy Movie Tales
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May 36,
Mar 37 Fine
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  |
4182
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Astounding Stories
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Shadow out of time (signed by Lovecraft)
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3107
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Shadow
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First six issues bound
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      |
13145
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Black Mask
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Hammett Maltese Falcon
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 |
1500
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I paid $1500 for my Tarzan ALL STORY but it lacks the cover, otherwise I would never pay these prices. The second issue of WEIRD TALES probably is rarer and harder to find than the first issue.
The Maltese Falcon BLACK MASK is a bargain at $1500. I've always been puzzled about how blind first edition hardcover collectors are concerning the true magazine first editions. I once saw a friend buy the 5 issue Falcon serial for only $3600. I consider it to be worth far more because of its importance and rarity.
That's a good deal, since it let you complete your set of All-Story.
Another one that we should add: ALL STORY Aug 9, 1919 showing the first appearance of Zorro. THE CURSE OF CAPISTRANO by Johnston McCulley.
By the way, many years ago, I once had a chance to trade for the original cover painting. But there was so much dirt and grime on the canvas that I didn't realize it was Zorro! Perhaps my biggest blunder…
I have no records of that issue's sale. Either it's very rare or costs less than anything already on the list. Do you have any idea as to value?
Maybe someday it'll come back to you, that'll be the time for you to write "The return of Zorro". And as for the first time, that was Zorro in disguise and so he got away 🙂