The Collector's Guide, No. 17, January 1940 A monthly periodical devoted to first editions, Americana, autographs, old newspapers and magazines, sheet music, playbills, dime novels, current auction prices, etc.

Step into the bustling world of early‑1940s collecting with this snapshot of a once‑monthly guide. The issue opens with a well‑organized directory of the nation’s most active buyers and sellers of frontier Americana, from first‑edition books and rare autographs to historic newspapers, sheet music, and playbills. Practical details like pricing, contact addresses, and advertising rates sit alongside brief notices of current auction results, giving listeners a realistic feel for the trade’s pace and professionalism.

Beyond the dealer listings, the guide offers short articles and recommendations on subjects ranging from early American prints and children’s literature to specialized monographs on regional theatre histories. Advertisements for niche items—such as original copies of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, Kipling manuscripts, and rare dime novels—highlight the eclectic tastes of collectors at the time. For anyone curious about the hobby’s infrastructure and the cultural treasures that moved through New York’s streets, this issue serves as a vivid time capsule of a vibrant marketplace.