Ripley’s Believe it or Not Book | Signed | 1929

Provenance & Ownership History

Offered by Waddington’s Auctioneers & Appraisers, Toronto, in its Decorative Arts – Discovery auction of June 20, 2024, as Lot 324. Following the auction, the piece entered a private collection in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Regular price
$1,250.00
Sale price
$1,250.00
Regular price
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This is a one-of-a-kind historical object. Once sold, this exact piece will not be restocked.

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Signed 1929 Ripley's Believe it or Not book cover and inscription
Video showing a signed 1929 first edition of Ripley’s Believe It or Not! featuring Robert Ripley’s handwritten inscription and signature, with views of the hardcover binding and interior pages.
Front cover detail of 1929 signed Ripley's Believe it or Not book
Close-up of Robert Ripley signature and inscription in 1929 antique book
Detailed view of Robert Ripley’s autograph and personal note inside 1929 Believe It or Not! first edition hardcover.
Ripley’s Believe it or Not signed first edition book interior inscription
Dark green cloth-bound 1929 Ripley's Believe it or Not hardcover
Original 1929 Ripley’s Believe It or Not! hardcover, early edition signed by Robert Ripley, displayed at Relic and Rarity.
  • Signed 1929 Ripley's Believe it or Not book cover and inscription
  • Video showing a signed 1929 first edition of Ripley’s Believe It or Not! featuring Robert Ripley’s handwritten inscription and signature, with views of the hardcover binding and interior pages.
  • Front cover detail of 1929 signed Ripley's Believe it or Not book
  • Close-up of Robert Ripley signature and inscription in 1929 antique book
  • Detailed view of Robert Ripley’s autograph and personal note inside 1929 Believe It or Not! first edition hardcover.
  • Ripley’s Believe it or Not signed first edition book interior inscription
  • Dark green cloth-bound 1929 Ripley's Believe it or Not hardcover
  • Original 1929 Ripley’s Believe It or Not! hardcover, early edition signed by Robert Ripley, displayed at Relic and Rarity.
Signed 1929 Ripley's Believe it or Not book cover and inscription
Video showing a signed 1929 first edition of Ripley’s Believe It or Not! featuring Robert Ripley’s handwritten inscription and signature, with views of the hardcover binding and interior pages.
Front cover detail of 1929 signed Ripley's Believe it or Not book
Close-up of Robert Ripley signature and inscription in 1929 antique book
Detailed view of Robert Ripley’s autograph and personal note inside 1929 Believe It or Not! first edition hardcover.
Ripley’s Believe it or Not signed first edition book interior inscription
Dark green cloth-bound 1929 Ripley's Believe it or Not hardcover
Original 1929 Ripley’s Believe It or Not! hardcover, early edition signed by Robert Ripley, displayed at Relic and Rarity.
Authenticity and secure checkout guarantee

Ripley’s Believe it or Not Book | Signed | 1929

Description

Historical Context & Origin

Region: United States
Material: Hardcover book with printed paper pages
Period: 1929 (First Edition, 9th Printing)

Description

This rare and collectible first edition, 9th printing of Ripley’s Believe It or Not! (1929) is personally signed by Robert Ripley, creator of the internationally renowned series chronicling unusual, bizarre, and unbelievable stories from around the world. This early volume represents an important milestone in Ripley’s career and reflects the growing popularity of his extraordinary work during the late 1920s. The autograph reads:

"To A. Nathan – with good wishes – Ripley – Believe it or Not."

Features

- Authentic Robert Ripley signature with personal inscription

- Early printing of the first edition published by Simon & Schuster, New York

- Hardcover binding consistent with early Ripley publications

- Nearly a century old with natural wear consistent with age

Cultural Significance

What began as a newspaper panel in the 1920s quickly evolved into a global cultural phenomenon. Robert Ripley’s fascination with oddities, human curiosities, and extraordinary events captivated audiences worldwide, expanding into books, radio, television, and museums. Today, Ripley Entertainment operates dozens of “Odditoriums” across the globe. This signed edition represents a tangible connection to the creator whose curiosity and storytelling shaped one of the most enduring entertainment franchises of the 20th century.

Condition

Good overall condition, consistent with age and use. The binding shows evidence of prior restoration, with the cover having been previously detached and professionally reattached, along with repairs and stabilization to the spine. The pages remain intact, and the signed inscription is clear and legible. Minor age-related wear, toning, and handling marks are present throughout.

Dimensions (Approximate)

Height: 9 in
Width: 6 in

Age (Approximate)

96 years old

Provenance 

Offered by Waddington’s Auctioneers & Appraisers, Toronto, in its Decorative Arts – Discovery auction of June 20, 2024, as Lot 324. Following the auction, the piece entered a private collection in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Learn More

Explore the life and legacy of Robert Ripley

Browse our Collection of Historical Signatures and Rare Autographs

Description

Historical Context & Origin

Region: United States
Material: Hardcover book with printed paper pages
Period: 1929 (First Edition, 9th Printing)

Description

This rare and collectible first edition, 9th printing of Ripley’s Believe It or Not! (1929) is personally signed by Robert Ripley, creator of the internationally renowned series chronicling unusual, bizarre, and unbelievable stories from around the world. This early volume represents an important milestone in Ripley’s career and reflects the growing popularity of his extraordinary work during the late 1920s. The autograph reads:

"To A. Nathan – with good wishes – Ripley – Believe it or Not."

Features

- Authentic Robert Ripley signature with personal inscription

- Early printing of the first edition published by Simon & Schuster, New York

- Hardcover binding consistent with early Ripley publications

- Nearly a century old with natural wear consistent with age

Cultural Significance

What began as a newspaper panel in the 1920s quickly evolved into a global cultural phenomenon. Robert Ripley’s fascination with oddities, human curiosities, and extraordinary events captivated audiences worldwide, expanding into books, radio, television, and museums. Today, Ripley Entertainment operates dozens of “Odditoriums” across the globe. This signed edition represents a tangible connection to the creator whose curiosity and storytelling shaped one of the most enduring entertainment franchises of the 20th century.

Condition

Good overall condition, consistent with age and use. The binding shows evidence of prior restoration, with the cover having been previously detached and professionally reattached, along with repairs and stabilization to the spine. The pages remain intact, and the signed inscription is clear and legible. Minor age-related wear, toning, and handling marks are present throughout.

Dimensions (Approximate)

Height: 9 in
Width: 6 in

Age (Approximate)

96 years old

Provenance 

Offered by Waddington’s Auctioneers & Appraisers, Toronto, in its Decorative Arts – Discovery auction of June 20, 2024, as Lot 324. Following the auction, the piece entered a private collection in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Learn More

Explore the life and legacy of Robert Ripley

Browse our Collection of Historical Signatures and Rare Autographs

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