Set up in 2016 First and Fine are experts in handling rare first editions of a wide range of books, many of which have been signed by the author. We regularly attend book events and signings. We have appraised more books that we can remember. We buy books into stock to sell and have built a reputation on building a stock of fine early editions and providing excellent customer service.

We carefully source our books and make sure that the books and signatures are authentic. Our many years of experience, during which we have handled thousands of signatures, helps us to distinguish the good specimens from the bad ones. Whilst rare, we have seen forgeries offered not only by private collectors, but also reputable auction houses and booksellers. Human error can pass a ‘well-made’ forgery as authentic, and nobody can be an expert in all authors’ handwriting and signatures. We have a number of experts who we can call on if we have any doubt, although generally we avoid books if there is any doubt and advise our clients to do the same.

We have even seen one instance of a forged book! We purchased, from a regional auction house, a first edition paperback of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Having dealt with many similar books, on arrival this one simply felt wrong. After much research, including a consultation with an expert at a major London auction house, it was determined that the entire cover had been reproduced and bound over a set of first edition pages. It was a forgery, but an excellent one which the regional auction house had failed to spot. We returned that book to the auction house for a refund, but without doubt it will have been sold on somewhere else and probably currently sits in someone’s collection as a first edition.

We offer a 14 day money back guarantee so long as the book is returned in the same condition that it was sent. We have developed an excellent relationship with many of our clients, many of whom have returned either to buy addition books from our stock or to ask us to help them source as specific book for their collection. Through good due diligence and customer service we have developed an excellent reputation amongst both collectors and the rare book trade.