Rare 1890 Sherlock Holmes Novel Sells for £11,520 After Charity Shop Discovery
What Happened?
A first edition of 'The Sign of Four' was found in an Oxfam charity shop in Shrewsbury, England, and sold for £11,520 at auction. The book's significance was recognized by staff.
Key points
- The book was identified as a first edition by Oxfam staff.
- It features original red cloth binding and gilt lettering.
- The auction took place at Bonhams on March 26, 2026.
- The previous owner was identified as James Burgess Boote.
- The sale proceeds support Oxfam's humanitarian efforts.
Key insights
- The sale demonstrates the importance of staff expertise in identifying valuable donations.
- It underscores the ongoing popularity of Sherlock Holmes and related collectibles.
- The auction outcome shows how ordinary donations can significantly support charity work.
Why it matters
This discovery highlights the potential value of donated items in charity shops.
Tags
Entities
Source
Times of India