Now available: Dime Novels from the Charles Bragin Collection
So what do you do when you inherit thousands of dime novels from your grandfather's world reknown collection?
My grandfather Charles Bragin was the biggest, or one of the biggest and well-known collectors of dime novels in the 1940's. The Dime Novel started in the 1860's as a series of paper-covered booklets published by a company Beadles and Adams. The stories were always action packed with heroic, patriotic Americans who battled against the evils encountered in the frontier out West. Each one had something unique on the front cover--a colorful illustration. Yes, color was uncommon to print back in those days. Dime novels sold for 10 cents and did they ever sell....
The dime novel was a success and every two weeks for 14 years, Beadles and Adams would publish a new one. There were many dime novels published--often called a library:
Beadle's New York Dime Library
Beadle's Half -Dime Library
Tip Top Weekly
Wild West Weekly
Buffalo Bill
And many more....
Dime novels lasted until 1915, and now these novels are just fragile booklets that are forgotten relics of America's past.
My grandfather collected dime novels since he loved them as a boy. He would sell original and reproductions to celebrities, politicians and everyday folk who also enjoyed them as children. At one point he had over 35,000, and he slowly gave them away to US libraries to have in their collections.
When he passed away in Feb 1974, he still owned thousands of these dime novels. (He also had an incredible collection of original comic books, which he never thought much of, and sold them all on the cheap before comics became huge collector items. Doh!)
And now these dime novels have been passed to me, and while I loved him and respect his passion for dime novels, I believe there are others who will appreciate them much more than I ever could.
I have decided to sell each dime novel starting at a low price of $9.95; frankly, I have no clue what they are worth. You should know that they are fragile and not in the best of shape.
If you are interested, here is how I will sell you one:
1. I have listed the different series of dime novels and the price for one random issue.
2. I will randomly select one in the series and mail it to you after you have paid via paypal. The final price will include shipping, taxes, and insurance.
3. If you are not satisfied, just mail it back and I will refund your money no questions asked or randomly mail you another one in that series.
Please note that these issues are fragile. And to be honest I think they look best framed. At least that's what I did. I have taken a few of them, framed them and put them on the wall. They look great framed!
Good luck in owning a piece of American history. If you think you are ripping me off by getting these dime novels so cheap, that's okay with me since I know you will find a better home for them. If you receive an issue, and are not happy, I will refund your money. I know my grandfather wouldn't want it any other way.
Please contact me at mcogert@gmail.com. I have a few representative photos of the collection, but there is a whole lot more. You want dime novels, well I've got dime novels.
Thanks,
Mitchell
Beadle's and Adams Dime Novels
Malaeska, The Indian Wife of the White Hunter. The first Dime Novel ever printed. Starting at $19.95
Tip Top Weekly
Tip Top Weekly. A series of five cent dime novels. Starting at $9.95
Pluck and Luck
Pluck and Luck. These were printed by Frank Tousey in 1898-1920's. These are great illustrations to frame and hang on a wall. Starting at $9.95
Many more series in addition to the above ones are available. Just ask.
Please contact mcogert@gmail.com if you have any questions, comments or interest in buying any dime novels. Thanks.