Every collector has experienced it at some point...
Just like the fisherman's story of 'the one that got away,' some collectibles can slip through your fingers.
It has happened to Antiques Roadshow expert Paul Viney. The fine art auction house chairman explained his "significant disappointment" on the popular BBC programme, on Sunday September 20.
Back in the 1980's, Paul decided to start collecting rare first edition books.
His local book dealer in Oxford, United Kingdom, offered him two copies of Casino Royale by Ian Fleming.
One was without the dust jacket and was priced at £20. The other with the dust jacket was priced at £50.
Unfortunately for Paul's finances he had just got married and purchased his first home so he opted for the £20 version due to a lack of funds.
In his words, "A big mistake."
That £20 book is now worth approximately £150.
Had Paul managed to buy the one with the dust jacket he'd have done very well. A Casino Royale with dust jacket now sells for approximately £10,000.
As Paul says "The dust jacket is crucial to collectors."
United Kingdom based readers can view the show on the following link: http://bbc.co.uk/i/mzggz/?t=44m58s.
Paul Viney is chairman of Woolley & Wallis, the Salisbury-based fine-art auctioneers. He is well known to Radio 2 listeners for his annual Children in Need auctions with Terry Wogan and others. He has lectured extensively.
