Buffalo Bill Dime Novel Value Guide

Historic Buffalo Bill and the Creeping Terror Stories Advertising Postcard | eBay Australia
Estimated Value
$50 – $70
Period
1900-1920
Origin
Germany
Materials
Paper, ink
Category
Dime novel

This German-language dime novel represents the global fascination with William F. Cody, capturing the spirit of the American West for European audiences between 1900 and 1920. Published by firms like A. Eichler, these ephemeral booklets are highly collectible for their dramatic, full-color cover art depicting Buffalo Bill in perilous frontier scenarios.

What Is Buffalo Bill Dime Novel Worth?

The typical price range for Buffalo Bill Dime Novel is $50 - $70 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

  • The physical condition of the fragile paper spine and the presence of any chips or tears on the cover edges.
  • The vibrancy of the ink colors used in the dramatic blizzard illustration, as fading significantly reduces collector interest.
  • The rarity of the specific issue number within the German series run.
  • Completeness of the interior pages, ensuring no advertisements or story segments have been removed.

How to Identify Buffalo Bill Dime Novel?

  • Check for the German publisher imprint, such as A. Eichler, typically found on the bottom of the front cover or title page.
  • Verify the specific cover illustration featuring Buffalo Bill fighting off a pack of wolves in a snowy blizzard setting.
  • Examine the paper quality; authentic originals from the 1900-1920 era use thin, newsprint-style paper that shows age-appropriate toning.
  • Ensure the text is printed in German, as these were specific translations intended for the European market.

History of Buffalo Bill Dime Novel

Dime novels were a popular form of inexpensive fiction in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, often featuring adventurous tales. Buffalo Bill, or William F. Cody, was a real-life American soldier, bison hunter, and showman, whose larger-than-life exploits made him a popular subject for these stories. German publishers, like A. Eichler, translated and distributed these tales, introducing the American West to European audiences.

Shop Similar

Related Items

Have an antique to identify?

Get an instant AI appraisal with values, history, and market insights.

Download for iPhone