eBay

Market Value: Because it is a 5th printing, the book itself is worth $15–$25. However, with that rare 1928 publisher's insert, the value jumps to $45–$85.

THE "X-FACTOR": WHY THIS SPECIMEN IS UNIQUE ON EBAY

Please Note: Unlike almost every other 1928 edition of Black Majesty currently available, this specific copy contains the Original 1928 Publisher’s Biographical Insert from Harper & Brothers.

Why this "Extra" is so significant:

The "Survivor" Rarity: This biographical sheet was a loose, ephemeral piece of paper tucked into the book at the factory. Because it was not sewn into the binding, 99% of these were lost, tossed, or used as bookmarks and destroyed over the last century.

Proof of "Time-Capsule" Storage: Finding this loose insert still "laid-in" is the ultimate collector's signal. It proves the book has sat undisturbed on a protected library shelf for nearly 100 years.

Archive Completeness: To a "completist" collector or museum, a book is only truly "First Edition" if it includes all the original materials it was born with. This insert makes your copy more complete than any other copy currently listed.

The Discovery Factor: You won't find this mentioned in other listings because those sellers simply don't have it. This extra piece of history justifies the premium price and makes this copy a primary-source investment.

“UNRIVALED ARCHIVE SPECIMEN:

This is the only known copy on the market featuring the original 1928 Harper & Brothers biographical publisher's insert. This loose piece of ephemera is a 'time-capsule' find, almost always lost to history.

Investment Highlights:

Complete Provenance: Includes the rare laid-in biographical sheet.

Art Deco Design: Iconic red and black eagle boards with the original black cloth spine.

Mahlon Blaine Illustrations: All stunning color plates and surrealist drawings are present and vibrant.

Premium Features: Features the original red-stained top edges, a mark of the highest quality 1928 first-year printings.

For the serious collector of Haitian history or fine-press literature, this is a cornerstone acquisition."

Important Note:

ON Vintage Condition & Authenticity

Please keep in mind that this is an authentic 98-year-old historical artifact. For a volume of this significant age and rarity, certain "signs of life" are not only expected but serve as a hallmark of its original 1928 provenance.

As shown in the high-resolution photos, you may find:

Natural Foxing & Toning: Scattered brown age-spots and warming of the paper color. This is a natural chemical reaction in 1920s paper and is a primary indicator of an unrestored original printing.

Handling Marks: Minor smudges, small stains, or surface dirt consistent with nearly a century of existence.

Vintage Shelf Wear: Softening of the cloth at the spine and light rubbing at the corners of the Art Deco boards.

The Scarcity Factor:

While modern reprints are clean and white, they lack the historical soul and the investment-grade features of this May 1928 specimen. Finding a copy that is 100% complete with its original binding and the rare publisher's insert is an exceptional rarity. These minor "flaws" are standard for a book of this era and do not detract from its status as a premier archive-quality centerpiece.

THE "INVESTMENT" SPECIMEN: WHY THIS COPY IS UNIQUE

A True 1928 First Edition Archive

This volume is an authentic 1928 First Edition (Fifth Printing). In the rare book world, "First Edition" refers to the original year of release. Because this book was a massive 1928 bestseller, it went through five printings in its first four months. This May 1928 copy was produced at the height of the book's initial "Haitian Mania" and features all the premium design elements that were later removed from modern reprints.

Hi, I’m Maria, the Administrator of this page. On behalf of the Owner, I take immense pride in our daily operations and in maintaining the highest standards for the collector community. We strive for 100% accuracy and transparency in everything we do.

Condition Disclaimer:

If you are looking for items in pristine condition, factory-sealed goods, or "perfect" inventory, we respectfully encourage you to visit a local retail store or purchase a professionally graded item elsewhere. This applies to anything we sell in our eBay online store. We want to ensure a positive experience for everyone and wish to avoid misunderstandings with individuals seeking perfection in ungraded or pre-owned items.

IMPORTANT: To ensure a smooth transaction, please read the entire listing, including the descriptions and the procedures below. By purchasing, you confirm that you have reviewed all information and accept these terms as a binding agreement.

Seller Note:

We pride ourselves on 5-star service. If you have any questions about this item or why it's priced so well, please don't hesitate to reach out!

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A Message from the Administrator

Condition Disclaimer:

I. Condition, Photography & Amateur Grading

Collector’s Estimation:

We are private collectors, not professional graders. Any grade or description represents our amateur opinion based on a full inspection.

"As-Is" Visuals:

We never use stock photos; the high-resolution images provided are of the exact physical item you will receive.

Buyer’s Responsibility:

By purchasing, you acknowledge your responsibility to examine all photos using the zoom feature. All items are sold in "As-Is" condition as photographed.

NO DUST COVER

II. Market Volatility & Final Sale Policy

Standard "No Return" Policy: Common Collectibles Inc. maintains a strictly No Returns policy as our default. Sales are final. We do not accept returns for buyer's remorse, changed minds, or market fluctuations.

Listing Exceptions: The only time we accept a return is if an individual listing explicitly states a return window (such as 14 or 30 days) through the official eBay listing settings. If a return option has not been enabled via eBay's technology, no returns will be accepted.

Handling & Transit Protection:

We handle sports cards with professional gloves and secure them in sleeves and top loaders. We utilize a proprietary "Wood Foundation" shipping method (using custom wood planks) to ensure cards cannot bend in transit.

Liability & Return Costs:

Because we cannot guarantee a buyer will utilize the same professional handling or specialized wood-plank packaging for a return, we cannot accept the risk of the item being degraded in transit back to us. Furthermore, returns are costly; this store is not responsible for return shipping costs.

eBay Mandatory Window:

While our personal store policy is "No Returns," we acknowledge that under eBay’s policy for trading cards, buyers have a three (3) calendar day window after delivery to report an item that does not match the listing.

III. "Act of God" Secure Shipping Guarantee

Unrivaled Protection: We package our items so securely that it would take an "act of God" to damage them. We source custom wood boards and planks specifically to create a rigid foundation that prevents any possibility of bending.

Custom Care:

All items (Books, Toys, Clothing, etc.) are double-wrapped, cushioned, and sealed against moisture and crushing.

Verification:

We record the precise package weight (to the gram) at carrier drop-off to prevent mail fraud.

IV. Zero-Tolerance Forensic Security Protocols

Chain of Custody Video: I record a continuous, unedited video of the entire process—from final inspection and packaging inside the USPS or shipping center until the moment we hand the package to the teller and receive the official shipping receipt.

"Switch & Bait" Protection: All items are inconspicuously photographed for detail close range identifying, We record all serial numbers and identifiers to verify that any return is the exact unit originally shipped.

AI Fraud Detection:

We utilize forensic software to identify AI-generated or manipulated photo evidence in return claims.

V. Anti-Fraud & Litigation Extension

Legal Representation: This business is co-owned by a licensed attorney specializing in civil litigation.

Binding Civil Contract: Any attempt to defraud this business will result in a civil lawsuit filed in your home jurisdiction. Per this agreement, the buyer assumes full liability for all litigation costs, including attorney fees, travel expenses, and court costs.

Criminal Reporting: Fraud is reported to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

A Final Note to Our Buyers

Thank you for reading our policies. We believe in the "Golden Rule"—treating others the way you want to be treated. Theft and fraud have no place here. Please remember: Crime does not pay; you end up paying for the crime. We look forward to an honest transaction with you!

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