What is the value of Alpinist back issues?

With people selling single issues for dbl. the cover price, I am wondering what people are willing to pay. I have a friend that has #0-25 in excellent to almost mint condition, although he doesn't want to sell them right now, what would yourself/people be willing to spend on them as a set or individually?

I am very curious about all of the differing opinions out there.

not much, as rad as they are I am a climber and most climbers are dirtbags when it comes to money, most of us buy used stuff because it's cheap. It is hard to pay for something that appreciates, especially a magazine. At least thats where I am at, there are some climbers out there that actually have money, and might not care as long as they have it all, but not many, I am curious to see what they are worth, I have a fair bit of the early issues and would sell them. I used to buy them all, too spendy now, I just read them at borders or on my friends coffee tables.

I've been able to purchase pretty much all of the back issues other than 0-4 that I'm still looking for at 20 dollars an issue. I think it will be many years before they become rare and the price goes up since there are so many copies of the magazine out there.

So if you're friend is interested in selling 0-1 please email me and I'll send him an offer!

Considering that the warehouse of Alpinist magazine burned a while back, thus destroying their stock of back issues, all that is left is what is in the hands of collectors and subscribers.

Tim Stich wrote:Considering that the warehouse of Alpinist magazine burned a while back, thus destroying their stock of back issues, all that is left is what is in the hands of collectors and subscribers.

I still don't understand why they can't reprint those old issues.

They could reprint them, but for a very high cost. I'm sure they have the digital files still. What would be nice is if they would compile a book of all the articles published in previous issues. That would probably sell well.

To me... nothing

Danno wrote:To me... nothing

A single issue is worth as much as any given buyer in the market is willing to pay for it. I've seen people asking and paying well over the cover price.

I sold mine for the subscription price, which was below cover, because that's what I paid for most of them & they were in Mint or Near Mint condition.

Fine with me if people want to do more or less. But for me personally, I can't see asking more than I paid for it because I didn't buy it as an investment and I'm done with it now anyway. I don't think it's worth the bother for the few bucks I'd make. Then again, if someone asked me to sell it for less than I paid for it, I'd probably refuse the offer on principle..

Same goes for concert tickets, etc... I'd rather give them away than get low-balled.

kirra wrote: don't let Chessler know this.. oops ~ too late

Before the fire you could get #0-#4 (five issues) for $75.00 from Alpinist.

I have a nearly complete set of AAJ's (American Alpine Journals), and am only missing the first 3. I called Chessler years ago about obtaining them, he said they are collector's items and each sell for over $500. This seemed pretty crazy so I never bought them. Now the AAJ's are all on line and I imagine the price has dropped, although I've not checked.

Signed copies of "Beyond the Vertical" are probably worth $500 now! But after Layton comes into town and signs them all the price will drop. I don't collect climbing books to make money, I just want to read them! This "signed by the author" business can get out of hand.

Believe it or not collecting books can be pretty lucrative. I saw a copy of beyond the vertical recently go for $125 on ebay. The cheapest I can find it today is $290.

I think that as the years pass these issues of alpinist will be pretty valuable for a few reasons. The quality of the magazine is spectacular. From the photo quality to the content of the text and the depiction of history it is just a great mag and I would put it up there with the likes of National Geographic. The fire will certainly add value to earlier issues as their is no longer any surplus once so ever. As more people become interested in climbing as the sport continues to grow more people will become interested in its history and quality publications that highlight this history.

I think what I like best about Alpinist is that they do stories on a variety of climbers, routes, mountains, and focus on the soul of alpine climbing vs. what's dean potter's latest send. I find the stories of routes and mountains I am interested in much more intriguing than the buzz about the newest hardest boulder that someone did in their tennis shoes.

George, that is one impressive collection of AAJ! Good luck in your pursuit of finding the last 3 without giving up your arm and leg.

I've just completed my collection of Alpinist over the weekend. I paid between 15 and 22 dollars for each issue that I was missing and that included the first year of publication, 0 - 4.

They're out there you just have to follow every lead and and by quick. Most were purchased through Supertopo and Mp.com. The last last few issues were purchased from Ebay and that's where I paid the highest price, 22 dollars.

They actually did reprint #0, which is a shame from a collector's viewpoint, but that was before the fire. The most valuable is #13.

I'm still missing Climbing 1, 9, 10, 33, 204, and 240.

Sam Grenlie wrote: Joke? There never was a 13 from my understanding. Read the farewell message from the editor. Just throwing this out there... I have 20-25. I think we should set up a Alpinist Library here on MP. That way you can trade with anyone for a mag you've never read. I'd trade my 5 for any of the older ones... Any takers?

I've nearly a full set myself, missing only four and would pay a decent uhum, "fair" price for good copies. Needing # 16 and 17 and 20 and 21. I'll have to double check that. I could also use a number 5, mines in so so shape, like a Gumby, took it camping and had the spine tweeked. Books are and can be valuable, not just in dollars either. It's interesting to go back in the annals of climbing history. I will double check my needs and if there is issues to buy I would be interested. Thanks.

Juan

Issue 13, now that's the valuable one :)

no1nprtclr wrote:I've nearly a full set myself, missing only four and would pay a decent uhum, "fair" price for good copies. Needing # 16 and 17 and 20 and 21. I'll have to double check that. I could also use a number 5, mines in so so shape, like a Gumby, took it camping and had the spine tweeked. Books are and can be valuable, not just in dollars either. It's interesting to go back in the annals of climbing history. I will double check my needs and if there is issues to buy I would be interested. Thanks. Juan Issue 13, now that's the valuable one :)

I have issue #0 through #10 for sale. Since #0 is going for $150 here; chesslerbooks.com/cat/181-A… and the rest are fetching $20 each, I will sell them all for $280 plus shipping. They all are in really good condition. Can show pictures. I live in Madison for local pickup.

I know some people will think this is crazy, and some will think about buying them. I just need some Xmas cash this season...

I have Alpinist magazines from 0 to #39 all in mint condition, in archival bags. Wondering if anyone wants to buy them all?

I have issues 1-39, all in excellent condition, for sale for 700.00, if anyone is interested. There is no #13 as I understand it.