Seeking Magazines

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There are certain criteria that will tend to make one magazine more desirable than the next:

First editions - I tend to focus on first issues as these are collectible in their own right, irrespective of content or subject matter.

Content - this can make an otherwise regular issue stand out to someone. For example, stories about celebrities, those who will stand the test of time and have a cult status; Marilyn Monroe, Princess Diana, Michael Jackson. And events, such as the first manned moon landing, the sinking of the Titanic or the events of 9/11.

Vintage - truly vintage magazines are a collectible in their own right, and sometimes purely for their historical context and style for those researching a period. Some may wish to celebrate someone's birthday by giving a magazine published the year they were born.

Niche interest - for example, sci-fi magazines aimed at groups such as fans of Star Trek; model car collectors, train enthusiasts, sports fans. These people collect magazines only as a secondary element to their main passion.

Historical/information resources - not always related to the age of the magazine, it can be a relatively recent issue (including part works) that provide a resource of information. Again, the magazine is secondary to the main interest.

Rarity or obscurity - we have (at time of writing) a first edition of The Mother Earth News from 1970 and the first issue of Home Grown, Europe's first dope magazine! It's impossible to know how many of these may be lying in attics around the world, but just for their 'weirdness' they become collectible.

Illustrated works - comic book characters, manga, sci-fi... the visual images in some magazines attract the attention of certain buyers. Some may buy a magazine purely for its cover art.

Condition - the condition is very important. Whether someone is a magazine collector or a buyer drawn to a copy because of some other passion, they are less likely to buy if the item is not at least in a fair condition for its age. Badly creased spines, creasing across the cover, or torn inner pages can make a magazine worthless... to all but the most keen of buyer. Notice how, even now, there could still be someone out there who would buy it. It all depends on the strength of other factors.