Audubon Octavo Print “States” Versus “Editions”, Plus Valuations, Collecting,
and the Marketplace.
by Ron Flynn
There seems to be some confusion
about the differences between “States” and “Editions” of antique Audubon prints.
In putting together this article, I have edited and compiled certain posts from
the Yahoo Audubonprints email discussion Group covering these topics. I have
supplemented this information and expanded this article to include information
that pertains to valuations, collecting and the marketplace, as they affect
print "state" and "editions".
EDITIONS -
The American Historical Print
Collectors Society (AHPCS) definition of edition reads, “An edition of a print
includes all the impressions published at the same time, or as part of the same
publishing event. A first edition print is one, which was issued with the first
published group of impressions. First edition prints are sometimes pre-dated by
a proof edition. Editions of a print should be distinguished from states of a
print.”
An edition is also defined as all
prints pulled and issued as part of a discrete publishing event, as defined and
determined by the publisher of that edition. An edition can be produced in one
day, or it can take many years to complete. An edition can consist of only one
print, or many hundreds of different prints. Despite confusion and
misunderstanding that may develop later, the publisher determines and defines
which prints constitute his first, as well as his subsequent editions. Editions
are usually identified as 1st, 2nd, etc., or identified by dates on the title
page. The number of different prints to be included in an edition is usually
predetermined. However, the number of pulled prints, for each print in the
edition, can be a predetermined number done on speculation, or the number can be
adjusted upward if the edition is being sold by subscription and the edition is
being produced over a number of years.
STATES –
The AHPCS definition of state is, "a
state of a print includes all the impressions pulled without any change being
made to the matrix. A first state print is one of the first groups of
impressions pulled. Different states of a print can reflect intentional or
accidental changes to the matrix. States of a print should be distinguished from
editions of a print."
Another way of saying this is that a
different state occurs when there is a change in the image matrix, whether on
purpose or by
accident. The image matrix of a
print consists of the printed image, all of the text and credits, and the hand
coloring (if done). If a purposeful change is made to the printed image, a new
state occurs. If a change is made to the text or credits, a new state occurs. If
a stone accidentally breaks, or simply wears down, and a new stone has to be
made, that is a new state. If there is a purposeful change to any of the colors
applied by hand, this constitutes a new state.
WHAT DOES ALL THIS MEAN TODAY? –
A state relates to timing. The first
prints pulled are 1st state prints. Whenever a change occurs to the image
matrix, for whatever reason, the next prints pulled become the 2nd state, and so
on for every different print in the entire edition.
An edition relates to when the
prints were published or issued, and can be mostly a business decision by the
publisher. He decides what goes into his edition, plus when it begins and when
it ends. It can be based on time, numbers or any other reason. He can declare
his first edition complete, and start a 2nd edition the next day using the same
plates or stones.
There can be several states of a
print from the same edition, and there can be several editions of a print all
with the same state.
AUDUBON OCTAVO EDITIONS and STATES
Audubon Octavo Editions - Birds
1st edition 1840-44
2nd edition 1856
3rd edition 1859
4th edition 1860 issued without plates
5th edition 1861
6th edition 1865
7th edition 1870-1
AUDUBON OCTAVO EDITIONS - QUADS
1st edition 1849-54
2nd edition 1852-55, often as mixed 1st and 2nd editions
3rd edition 1856
4th edition 1870
source -
http://www.audubongalleries.com
The
discussion posts were concerned with the editions and states of the Audubon
octavo series. The 1st octavo edition bird prints are easily distinguished from
later editions because they lack the printed colored background that is present
on all later editions. The octavo bird prints for the 2nd and later editions are
virtually identical, except for different states. You can determine edition with
some certainty with an intact volume and dated title page. But for individual
dis-bound prints, you will have to trust and rely on the seller. All octavo quad
prints are virtually identical, except for different states. 1st state prints
have been found in all editions. A dated title page may not be a true indication
of edition. Edition dates overlapped and erroneous and undated title pages have
been found in bound volumes. Many mixed edition sets were put together and
distributed.
Different states of prints are
theoretically easily identified. You place 2 prints of the same plate number
side by side. If there are differences in the image or text, you have different
states of the same print. A number of states have been identified that affect
more than a single print. Identical plate #s are found: with the credits in
italics, with the credits in bold type, and with some credits missing. Also,
there are different states with differing credits, mostly to the lithographer.
There are different states of specific prints where the image has changed or the
spelling of the animal’s name has been changed. Many more states are likely to
be discovered in the future.
Please consider the following
examples and possibilities as they might pertain to the Audubon octavo quad
editions -
1. - Say the Audubon’s ended their
multi-print 1st quad edition with some prints from certain stones being 2nd or
3rd state. Then, the very next day they start pulling prints for their 2nd
edition, using the very same unchanged stones from the end of the 1st edition.
What happens? All of the newly pulled prints from those stones become 2nd
edition, 2nd and 3rd state, and you have no 2nd edition, 1st state prints. This
can progress throughout all remaining editions.
2. -
Another more confusing occurrence probably happened more often. When the
Audubon’s ended their 1st quad edition, it was very likely that there were any
number of leftover uncolored prints, and perhaps completed colored prints (all
of various states). Certainly, these leftover prints would be used in the
upcoming 2nd edition, rather than being discarded. The publisher would begin
making up sets of prints for his 2nd edition, using up the leftover prints from
the 1st edition, plus putting in freshly pulled prints where there were no
leftovers. If the leftover 1st edition prints are initially used in making up
sets for the 2nd edition, these sets of prints become a mixed 1st and 2nd
edition. Eventually, the very last leftover 1st edition print is used up, and
then the very next set sold becomes a true 2nd edition, rather than a mixed 1st
and 2nd edition. But exactly when did this occur so we can distinguish between
mixed editions and the true 2nd edition? I don’t think the date on the title
page is definitive. This phenomenon could have easily occurred at any time
between any of the various editions. Many more sets that are out there may be
actually mixed edition, rather than true 2nd, 3rd, or 4th editions.
3. - It is known that Nagel and
Weingertner did the first 30 or so plates for the 1st edition octavo quads. They
would have been 1st edition, 1st state. However, no one knows how many prints
they pulled for each plate. J.T. Bowen eventually took over for N&W, and redid
the stones and added his name. In between that, a good number of prints
appeared with no credit to either N&W or Bowen. That’s 3 different states. It
seems likely that the Audubon’s used some sort of storage system, with hundreds
of cubbyholes, to pull out prints to fill subscription orders and make up sets.
It also seems likely that prints were regularly being produced to fill the need.
New prints came in and went on top in each cubbyhole, and at the same time
prints went out to fill orders. Nobody kept track of anything as long as
production and distribution rolled along smoothly. Perhaps semi-literate people
did much of the work, or perhaps the Audubon’s had no concept of edition and
order, or didn’t care. How many 1st edition 1st state volumes were there? There
is much confusion as to what volumes are truly 1st edition, when N&W prints have
been found in 3rd and 4th edition volumes with 1856 and 1870 dated title pages.
The 1st and 2nd edition octavo quads overlap each other. Perhaps only volume I
with title pages dated 1849, 1850 or 1851, can be considered true 1st edition?
How does one prove that a Volume II or III is a 1st edition, rather than from a
mixed edition set? If only one N&W plate is found in a 3rd or 4th edition
volume, then that is a mixed edition volume. And how can anyone be certain that
a dis-bound individual print is truly a 1st edition, unless it is one of the
first 30 or so plates, and has an N&W credit (even if found in an 1870 volume)?
There are so many combinations and
possibilities that answers may never be found. There could be one or more states
for each of the 500 prints, in each of the 6 editions of the octavo birds. There
could be one or more states for each of the 155 prints, in each of the 4
editions of the octavo quads. It would be a monumental task to examine and
compare numerous volumes from each of the editions, to find all the states of
all the octavo editions. I suspect that dealers and collectors will discover new
states over many many years.
The research to clarify and define
the editions, and identify the various states has simply not been done. There
are known records with information about the octavo bird editions, and print run
numbers for the 1st edition. I don’t know if any other records exist, or if
records do exist that have yet to be researched that might shed more light on
the Audubon’s business practices and the production of the octavo birds and
quads.
COLLECTING PRINT STATES –
The concept of collecting octavo
print states, as expressed by a couple members of the Yahoo Group, is an
interesting idea. I can’t imagine anyone simply buying different print states at
random, with the expectation of higher values. If you are interested or
passionate about a particular species or two, I think assembling all Audubon
examples of the species can make a nice collection, including different print
states. It is estimated that between 20-60 individual prints of each of the 435
Havell Birds of America prints survive today in private hands. Because of
their rarity and cost, most of us would be happy just to own 1 or 2 Havells, and
never think about trying to own different states of the same Havell print. The
same could be said for the Bien and Imperial Folio editions. However, collecting
print states of your favorite octavo bird or quad is financially doable, if the
different print states can be identified and then searched out and purchased.
In preparing to write this article,
I contacted a handful of dealers I personally know, to inquire about print state
collecting. First, no dealers had or could remember a customer who collected
Audubon print states. This is not to say that other dealers do not have
customers who are print state collectors, but I suspect there are very very few.
Secondly, and more important, no dealer I spoke with, or any other dealer I have
contacted for price information, has ever listed or described an Audubon octavo
print as being a particular print state (1st, 2nd, etc.). I have seen a number
of dealers describe the print state for Havell prints they are selling.
It has been my experience, and this
is confirmed by dealers I have discussed this with, that people most likely
collect a diversified selection of Audubon bird and/or quad prints: that are
common or well known, that are personal favorites, that represent species found
or seen in their local area, or have a specific purpose such as fitting into a
particular decorating scheme. Next, people will collect by genus. That is,
collecting all or many of the species in a particular genus group (such as
woodpeckers, hummingbirds, etc.). Finally, more people seem to have started
collecting octavos for investment purposes. I think the Havells have long been
sought as wonderful works of art, as well as for potential price appreciation.
The Bien and Imperial Folio editions have also reached that status. Now, the
more affordable octavos are beginning to be thought of for their potential
investment possibilities.
VALUES OF OCTAVO PRINT STATES or
PRINT VARIANTS –
Today the term “print variant” is
being used interchangeably with the term “print state.” I think this is a
favorable improvement. When a collector encounters the term “print variant” in
discussions or in reading, it is virtually self-explanatory and a basic
understanding of the meaning is immediate. The idea that print states or print
variants, by themselves, are more valuable is unfounded. The belief that a
particular print variant of a specific plate # is more valuable than another
print variant of the same plate #, is also unfounded. There are too many
unknowns for these ideas to have merit. First, no one knows (with the exception
of the 1st edition birds) how many prints were pulled from each stone in each
edition of the octavo birds and quads. Second, no one knows how many prints
survive today for any print in any edition of the octavo birds and quads.
Third, no one knows how many different print variants or print states exist for
any print in any edition of octavo birds and quads. Finally, no one knows how
many prints exist of any print variant compared to another print variant of the
same plate # and edition. If none of this information is available or known,
there is no possible way to determine scarcity or rarity, and no way that
valuations can be determined or set in the marketplace. Dealers do not recognize
and sell by print state. A few dealers may occasionally mention a print variant
in a print description. However, dealers will not price a print because of the
print variation. Instead, a print will be priced by its condition and relative
popularity within its edition, as determined by supply and demand in the
marketplace and the dealer’s overhead and markup.
VALUATION OF OCTAVO BIRDS AND QUADS
IN THE MARKETPLACE –
The Audubon octavo prints are not
art as it was traditionally thought of. That is, they are not paintings,
sculptures, etc., that were created by an individual artist. However, the
individual hand painted plates, dis-bound from book volumes, is most certainly
art. Any of these Audubon prints would look great, and be appropriate, framed
and hung in your home or office. Inexpensive Audubon off-sized prints and glossy
posters cannot compare with an original Audubon. I think many people buy the
least popular Audubon originals and think of them as “collectibles” rather than
art. Look at their prices. Maybe 200-250 out of the 500 1st edition octavo bird
prints (the most popular of all octavo editions) can be purchased on eBay in the
$100 or less price range. These same prints can be purchased from retail dealers
for around $200 or less. I know of many people who own and/or are acquiring
fairly large quantities of octavo bird and quad prints from several editions.
Unless they own, or are going to open a store, this is far more than anyone
would ever frame and hang on their walls. I can only assume they are storing
them in hopes of future price appreciation. If someone purchases something as
art, I think they should frame and hang it to be viewed and enjoyed.
I know a number of dealers with
large inventories of octavos. They have told me that the hundreds of least
popular octavos may stay in their inventory for 4-5 years or more before
selling. Thus: a reason for print valuation and pricing based on supply and
demand, a reason for some dealer’s high markups, and a reason for eBay in the
marketplace. I think the chances for significant price appreciation over the
next 5-10 years, for 400 or so of the least popular octavo birds, and for 125 or
so of the least popular octavo quads, are very low.
The marketplace does not recognize
the octavos by print state or print variant. Dealers sell the octavos by
editions. Besides the condition of a print, dealers set their prices based upon
supply and demand plus their own business experience and instinct. The supply of
individual prints from various editions is a bit uncertain. The number of
surviving prints and unbroken volumes for each edition is unknown. Many are
owned by museums and other institutions, and will never be sold. However, for
many years private owners have been selling their volumes to dealers, who take
them apart and sell the individual prints. Volumes of various octavo editions
can always be found for sale at
http://www.abebooks.com.
Remember, for every complete set of
any of the octavo editions, there is only one print of each of the octavo birds
or quads. Over a period of time, dealers from all over the country have learned
which individual octavo prints are more sought after or popular. This is the
“demand” part of supply and demand. Dealers set their prices accordingly, and
this establishes the market. Retail dealer asking prices for the same individual
print from the same edition still vary widely across the country, especially for
the most sought after prints. Retail dealer asking prices for the least popular
prints are more uniform. The highest dealer asking price for an Audubon octavo
print that I have seen is $3800.00 for the 1st octavo edition plate # 423 Brown
Pelican adult (a very popular regional bird) from Audubon House in Florida.
I believe that virtually all dealers
would agree that demand from collectors is mostly for 1st edition octavo prints.
This can be seen in the market prices. Dealer asking prices for 1st edition
octavo prints are generally almost twice the prices for later editions. In fact,
many dealers will price specific individual later edition prints about the same,
no matter which edition they are from. If you want a 1st edition octavo quad, be
certain you get a 1st edition. Because of the confusion over which edition an
individual octavo quad print might actually be from, it is often suggested that
you ignore edition and purchase more for the print’s condition and appearance.
In conclusion, when buying Audubon
octavo prints, buy them as art, and buy what you like. Buy each print in the
best condition that you can afford. Buy print variants only as a very
specialized area of collecting, and not for investment. If you can afford
Audubon originals of any edition, don’t buy off-sized modern reproduction prints
or shiny posters. Don’t buy large quantities as “collectibles”, because you’ll
be lucky to break even when it’s time to sell. Finally, if you’re going to
speculate on Audubon octavos and buy them as investments, the 100 or so most
popular octavo birds, and the 25-30 most popular octavo quads, have the best
chance for price appreciation. There could also be sleepers!
Bibliography –
Yahoo Audubonprints email discussion
Group archives.
Compiled, edited and written by Ron
Flynn 06/25/03, revised 8/10/03
Copyright © 2003 by Ron Flynn, ALL
RIGHTS RESERVED
Ron Flynn, 796 Holly Creek Dr.,
Holland, MI 49423
