The Elves and the Shoemaker (A Little Golden Book, #307-56)
Golden Press / Western Publishing · Books & Media > Children's Books
Era / Decade
1980s (Dating clues: Presence of a UPC barcode on the lower front cover and the 307-56 numbering format point to a printing from the 1980s)
Material
Paper pages, hardcover with glossy paper-wrapped boards, foil-embossed metallic foil spine
Condition
Poor. Significant surface scuffing, heavy rubbing and wear to the front cover gloss and artwork, peeling or scuffed metallic spine, edge wear, and visible sticker residue or yellow price sticker at the top right.
Demand Level
Niche. While Little Golden Books have a steady and dedicated collector base, heavily damaged copies have very low individual demand unless bundled.
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
$2.00 - $4.00 - $6.00
Estimated Retail Value
$1.25 (Original retail price)
Comparable Sales
Individual heavily worn Little Golden Books typically sell for $1 to $3 plus shipping, while larger lots of 5 to 10 books sell for $10 to $15.
Description
Vintage hardcover copy of The Elves and the Shoemaker, part of the beloved Little Golden Books series. Features classic illustrations, standard children's book dimensions (approx. 6.5 x 8 inches), and the iconic shiny foil spine. This well-loved copy shows heavy exterior wear from reading and storage.
Key Features
Nostalgic appeal, classic fairy tale retelling, iconic Little Golden Book branding with the distinctive foil spine, highly collectible series for retro decor or childhood nostalgia.
Authenticity Indicators
Original Golden Press branding, standard Little Golden Book logo at the top left, and appropriate vintage typography and barcode placement. Confidence level: High.
Flaws to Note
Heavy scuffing and finish loss across the front cover, worn and rubbed foil spine, edge wear and corner bumping, price sticker on the front cover. Wear is purely cosmetic but heavy.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay, Etsy, or local flea markets/book sales. Best sold as part of a lot of children's books rather than individually due to condition.
Selling Tips
Do not attempt to clean the scuffed cover art as it may remove the remaining ink. List as part of a vintage children's book bundle to save on shipping and attract bulk buyers. Use keywords like 'vintage children's book', 'retro nursery decor', and 'nostalgia'.