Additional Coverage:
- ‘Antiques Roadshow’ guest gets stunned after hearing the value of her Nancy Drew books (marketrealist.com)
From Legal Battle to Literary Treasure: A Nancy Drew Collection’s Surprising Value
An episode of “Antiques Roadshow” recently showcased a truly unique collection of Nancy Drew books, proving that sometimes the most unexpected items can hold astonishing value. The guest, a lawyer with a fascinating personal connection to the iconic series, was left speechless when her treasured books received an appraisal of up to $10,000.
While “Antiques Roadshow” is often associated with ancient artifacts and family heirlooms, the show increasingly highlights the rising worth of collectibles, from rare coins to classic literature. This particular segment underscored the significant impact of provenance and personal history on an item’s market value.
The guest shared an incredible story behind her collection: she was the legal representative for Mildred Wirt Benson, the uncredited ghostwriter for the first 25 of the original 30 Nancy Drew books. For decades, Benson was bound by a 1930 contract preventing her from revealing her authorship under the pen name Carolyn Keene.
“I represented the original author of the Nancy Drew series,” the guest explained. “She wrote 25 of the first 30 Nancy Drew books under a pen name.
And when she signed a contract to do so in 1930, she agreed never to reveal that she wrote the books under the pen name.” Benson, frustrated by this long-standing secrecy, sought legal counsel to gain the recognition she deserved.
The guest recounted how she facilitated a “win-win situation” with the publisher, leading to the public acknowledgment of Benson’s contribution. She also played a role in the University of Iowa, where Benson was the first woman to earn a master’s in journalism, recognizing her as the author.
Appraiser Ken Gloss was captivated by the narrative, especially the inscriptions within the books. One volume, in particular, bore a significant inscription: “Mildred Wirt Benson, who wrote the original of this story under the pen name of Carolyn Keene.”
The guest revealed this book was signed at a university conference, marking one of the first times Benson could legally acknowledge her authorship. Gloss speculated it might have been the very first book Benson was permitted to sign in this manner.
The collection also included other notable signatures, including those from illustrators, and a particularly poignant inscription to “Peggy Wirt,” the guest’s only child. Due to the restrictive contract, Benson had not even been able to tell her own daughter about her authorship, making this signed dedication exceptionally meaningful.
Gloss emphasized that the value of these Nancy Drew books didn’t stem from their rarity as editions-millions exist-but from these unique, personal inscriptions. “That’s not what makes these valuable.
It’s the inscriptions,” he stated. He then delivered the surprising news: the collection was worth an estimated $5,000 to $10,000 on the retail market.
“Wow, I’m surprised. I really am,” the guest exclaimed, clearly taken aback by the valuation.
Beyond the monetary figure, she expressed the deep sentimental value of the books. “They’re sentimental to me.
It’s a memory of a good time and something I felt proud of doing,” she shared, adding her surprise that others would find her personal treasures so interesting.
This story serves as a powerful reminder that history, personal connections, and unique provenance can transform seemingly common items into invaluable pieces of literary history.