Drums Along the Mohawk (Early Printing/Reprint)
Little, Brown and Company · Books & Media > Antiquarian & Collectible
Era / Decade
Late 1930s to 1940s
Material
Hardcover with blue cloth binding and orange stamped/embossed lettering; acidic paper pages.
Condition
Good. Notable shelf wear and fraying on the top-left spine corner and edges. Spine shows some sun-fading. Binding appears intact but shows typical aging. Lacks original dust jacket, which significantly impacts value.
Demand Level
Moderate/Niche. Constant demand for classic American literature, but ubiquitous, making non-first editions slow to move.
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
$10.00 - $25.00
Estimated Retail Value
$2.50 (Original 1936 list price)
Comparable Sales
Recent eBay sales for similar non-first edition copies without dust jackets range from $8.00 to $18.00 plus shipping. Copies with a dust jacket can exceed $50.00.
Description
A vintage hardcover edition of Walter D. Edmonds' classic American historical novel 'Drums Along the Mohawk.' This copy features the iconic blue cloth boards with orange drum illustration and typography. Set during the Revolutionary War, this book was a massive bestseller and the basis for the 1939 John Ford film starring Henry Fonda. Measures approximately 5.5 x 8 inches.
Key Features
Classic historical fiction title; iconic 1930s-40s cover design; collectible author; strong crossover appeal for history buffs and vintage book collectors.
Authenticity Indicators
Authentic period printing. Confidence: High. The specific orange-on-blue stamping was standard for Little, Brown and Co. editions of this era. Check the copyright page for 'First Edition' or 'Reprinted [Month/Year]' to determine exact printing.
Flaws to Note
Missing original dust jacket; bumping and fraying to spine ends and corners; age-related tanning to pages; likely 'foxing' or spotting on interior pages depending on storage.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay (best for broad reach), Etsy (due to 'vintage aesthetic' decor appeal), or AbeBooks (specialized book buyers).
Selling Tips
Use keywords like 'Historical Fiction', 'Revolutionary War', and 'Decor' in the title. Take high-resolution photos of the copyright page and the frayed corners to avoid returns. Ship via USPS Media Mail to keep costs low. Mention 'Decorative Blue Spine' for 'books-by-the-foot' shelf stylists.