Guest Refuses To Sell Historic Signed ‘Wizard Of Oz’ Book At ‘Antiques Roadshow’

A copy of Frank L. Baum’s made it an episode of the Antique Road Show thanks to a guest whose father bought the book in his lifetime. The guest noted that his father purchased the book in 1965, as its mailing envelope from the Texian Press in Waco was dated so.

He admitted to not knowing the purchase price, as he was only 2 when his father bought it. His copy has been deemed a unique first edition because it contains the autograph of the illustrator W.W. Denslow, who also left an original piece of art in it.

‘Antique Roadshow’ guest insists his ‘Wizard Of Oz’ book is not for sale

Expert Francis J Walgren revealed that the book could ordinarily sell for up to $30,000 at auction, but Denslow’s inscription ups this copy’s value up to $80,000. Despite the mouthwatering offer, the guest said the book was not up for sale because his father loved The Wizard of Oz.

Walgren was rather surprised and assured the guest that he would insure it for $100,000. Another interesting find that makes the guest’s book so valuable is that it was inscribed to a certain Dorothy Rountree. Walgreen’s finding suggests that the story’s Dorothy was a nod to the one whose name is imprinted on this special copy.

Expert unveils more facts about guest’s ‘Wizard Of Oz’ book

Walgreen did some research about the Rountree name and realized Dorothy’s father was Harrison Rountree, who was a wealthy Chicago-based banker and investor. He figured that Harrison helped author Baum out of some financial problems, and including his daughter may have been his way of showing gratitude.

A countering argument says Dorothy was named after Baum’s niece, who died young. It is uncertain whether the book’s owner will change his mind, but it is not the first time a guest is refusing to sell their valuable keepsake for sentimental reasons.