THE CLASSIC RUPERT BEAR SHOP

An original copy of the first Rupert annual from 1936.  These first annuals are extremely rare in 'fine condition', and even rarer to still have the original dust jacket.   Not surprising for an annual in excess of 70 years of age. The covers are a little faded and marked and it has been inscribed in pencil and erased partially. There is slight pencil crayoning to a few pages and the pencil shading/ colouring has been erased from the colouring pages leaving virtually clear. General age foxing to pages throughout. There are small tears to pages here and there with no loss to anything vital.  In general, a nice copy of the first Rupert annual.

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An original copy of the first Rupert annual from 1936.  These first annuals are extremely rare in 'fine condition', and even rarer to still have the original dust jacket.   Not surprising for an annual in excess of 70 years of age. The covers have a small number of light stains and it has been inscribed in ink and a little pencil. The first colouring picture has been started with felt type pen, the rest are clear. General age foxing to pages throughout and the pages are in pretty good condition. The binding is not a tight as it could be. In general, a very nice copy indeed of the first Rupert annual.

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An original copy of the first Rupert annual from 1936.  These first annuals are extremely rare in 'fine condition', and even rarer to still have the original dust jacket.   Not surprising for an annual in excess of 70 years of age. The covers are a little faded in parts and there is a small stain on the spine and on the covers. There has been slight rubbing to front lower cover corner.It has been inscribed pencil. The colouring pictures have been completed or partially completed with general competence.  There is foxing to pages throughout and the pages are in pretty good condition. There are a few tears at the bottom of the pages by the binding, but not of any significance. The binding is pretty tight. Overall, a very nice copy indeed of the first Rupert annual.

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In April 1941, Yugoslavia capitulated to Hilter and war was raging across Europe.  No 5 Group RAF Bomber Command were flying out of their base at Peterborough, and Devonport was devasted by bombing.  But at the same time, the young lad, living in Peterborough, to whom this book is dedicated, was enjoying his copy of the Rupert Annual given to him by his Mother and Father.  Despite everything this book survived and is now 65 years old.

This edition deserves to be in a collection or in the hands of somebody who will treasure a wartime original Rupert Annual and treasure it's rarity.  It is not perfect.  The spine is a little loose, the covering of the spine is nearly worn away and the corners of the cover are rubbed. There are marks, some staining and foxing to pages and there are small tears to a fair few.  A number of pages have large tears as shown in the additional pictures, but in saying all that the book is complete.  With the exception of a few pencil marks it has not been scribbled in of defaced.  It is a fragile book, that requires delicate handling to preserve it's current state. 

We would love to keep this annual, but we cannot afford to be sentimental.  We will leave that to the person who buys this Annual.  Please ring before buying if you have any reservations about committing to buy this book - It is being offered for sale as 'Sold a Seen' and is firm sale.

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A 1943 edition of this wartime annual in excellent condition indeed.  Printed on War Economy paper this edition has a soft paper cover as found in all annuals printed between 1942 and 1949.  Not price clipped and name box is clear. The binding is tight. The colouring in pictures at the front and rear have not been completed. The spine is complete and attached. Shelf wear on the edges of the spine.

To find a annual of this age in this condition is rare.   An opportunity for any collector to own a fantastic annual.

A 1943 edition of this wartime annual in excellent condition indeed.  Printed on War Economy paper this edition has a soft paper cover as found in all annuals printed between 1942 and 1949.   It has price clipped and name box is completed. The binding is tight. The colouring in pictures at the front and rear have been completed. The spine is attached and has signs of wear on the edges.  Slight paper loss at base and tip of spine area. Slight closed tears to cover at spine edge top and bottom. Pages are in excellent condition.

To find a annual of this age in this condition is rare.   An opportunity for any collector to own a fantastic annual.

SOLD

A 1943 edition of this wartime annual in fair condition.  Printed on War Economy paper this edition has a soft paper cover as found in all annuals printed between 1942 and 1949.   It has not been price clipped and name box is completed. The binding is a bit loose. The colouring in pictures at the front have been part done and rear have not been completed. Half the spine covering is attached and the rest missing. It signs of wear on the edges and the cover and the slightly parted from the spine and has a tear at the base. Pages are in reasonable condition and free from scribbles. A fair annual.

A truely superb copy of a 1944 annual a replacement for which would be hard to find. There are only very small defects.  The spine is complete, binding tight and slight shelf wear marks on the edges. Miniscule tear at spine/front cover.  If you looking for a quality annual for your collection then this is it.  Wonderful!

War had just finished when this 1945 Rupert annual was produced by The Daily Express. Given to the recipient that Christmas, it is dedicated to him by only his Mum, and seeing it so written today, does make think about his Dad and wonder if his name is missing because of the war.  This owner obviously treasured his gift, as it has survived these past 60 years in remarkable condition.  It's covers are only the slightest grubby, and apart from some small splits on the edge it's spine is complete.  The front and back covers have been selotaped to the main body, and the tape has discoloured considerably due to the time it has been on the book. (This can be removed and restored if wished by a good book restorer). It is unclipped at 3/6-.  There are some biro marks on contents page and first story title page and some pencil on page 110, but these do not really affect anything too important. Internally the colours of this annual are truely superb. 

This extremely rare wartime original annual would compliment any collection and will be a fantasic asset to any collector. It's rarity is reflected by its price.  Please ring before buying if you have any reservations about committing to buy this book - It is being offered for sale as 'Sold a Seen', and is firm sale.

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A finer original 1946 wartime Rupert Annual would be hard to find.  I know this description is the same as the 1947 annual below, but it is in similar condition. The covers are absolutely fantastic  with what can only be described as shelfwear affecting it's condition . The spine has the tiniest amount if tip and tail damage but nothing that should cause any worry. The internal pages are so tightly bound you can tell that this annual has never been opened let alone read. Belongs to box is clean and not price price cut (3/6-). Contents are fantastic and I would suggest as good as the day this annual was printed. Like the 1946 annual, this was not produced as a facsimile. The contents may offend.  Therefore it is only found in it's original soft back format, as produced to wartime economy standards.  Good copies of this annual are very rare and highly treasured by Rupert fans and collectors worldwide. This is one of the finest examples of a wartime softback edition I have ever seen and a treasure for any collection.

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An extremely rare wartime original Rupert 1946 annual which is in superb condition considering it's age. First story is Rupert on Coon Island.  Spine in very good condition - small closed split at top and some rubbing - slight loss to coloured covering on rear.  Covers are clean and clear from scribbles but has minute creasing to front bottom corner.  Belongs to box is clean and not price clipped (3/6-). Binding is very tight the contents are absolutely superb and the colours are vibrant . A handful of tiny marks here and there.  Due to the contents of this annual, it was not produced as a facsimile. Therefore it is only found in it's original soft back format, as produced to wartime economy standards.  Good copies of this annual are now very rare and highly treasured by Rupert fans and collectors worldwide.

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A finer original 1947 wartime Rupert Annual would be hard to find.  The covers are in great condition with shelfwear affecting it's condition. Slight non noticeable crease to bottom right of cover. The internal pages are so tightly bound you could question that this annual has ever been opened let alone read. Belongs to box clean and not price price cut (3/6-). Dedication in ink to inside front cover. Contents are fantastic and I would suggest as good as the day this annual was printed. Like the 1946 annual, this was not produced as a facsimile. The contents may offend.  Therefore it is only found in it's original soft back format, as produced to wartime economy standards.  Good copies of this annual are very rare and highly treasured by Rupert fans and collectors worldwide. This is one of the finest examples of a wartime softback edition I have ever seen and a treasure for any collection.

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A fine original 1948 wartime Rupert Annual. The spine complete and in excellent condition.  Very slight damage to bottom which does not affect anything major. The name box is completed and it has not been price cut. The internal pages are so tightly bound you can tell that this annual has never been opened let alone read. Contents are fantastic and I would suggest as good as the day this annual was printed. Made to war economy standards on war economy paper and has a soft cover. A rare and very sought after edition.

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An original 1949 Rupert Annual with soft cover.  This is an super copy of a post war Rupert annual.  The book belongs to has been filled in and it is not price clipped. The front cover is in great condition and has some age spotting.  The top of spine has tiny picture loss at the top.   The contents are clean and free from scribbles. It is still very tightly bound. Rear cover when opened reveals the staples that are rusty. Printed by Greycaines London. This copy is truely superb and worthy of a place in anybody's collection.  The last of the wartime economy printed annuals.

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A now rare copy of the Original 1950 Rupert annual. It is in very good condition and is has been well looked after. The Annual format returns to hardback with this issue but is much thinner than earlier hardbacks. Pictorial boards - Rupert riding a huge seashell. First story is Rupert's Silver Trumpet.  Spine still attached although worn and fraying. A small part of the covering is coming away. Corners and edges just slightly rubbed and showing wear. Some faint yellow stains on pages 78,79 nad 83, which appear to have been left during printing process. Name written in belongs to box, not price cut. Inside a superbly bright, crisp and clean copy. Handling the book and turning the pages it would appear to unread - or if read it was handled very carefully indeed.  This issue is source of images that Royal Doulton have taken for the first two recent Rupert Collections and Limited Editions. A wonderful book to add to a collection.

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A very good condition copy of 1951 annual. Colour pictorial boards - Rupert at front of a huge snow scene. First story is Rupert and Doctor Lion. Spine bumped but complete, edges and corners showing shelfwear. Covers are a good with a little spotting due to age.  No name in belongs to box. Price not cut (4'9) . Light foxing to some pages edges.  Story pages are clean and in very nice condition indeed.   This is a cracking annual and deserves a place in any rupert annual collection.

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An original 1952 Rupert annual in very good conditon indeed. The cover is a little worn in parts with the paper covering having peeled off on the corners and on part of the spine at the tip and tail - but it is 54yrs old. The colours on the cover are the best I have seen for a long time. Some bumping to corners and spine. The spine is complete and still attached. The Puppy puzzle has been done and a slight tear at the base of Pages 60 & 61.  It does not affect anything. The other pages are clean apart from a couple of grubby marks, and the colours are vibrant and the pages are very crisp still . It has not price clipped but has been dedicated in the name box.  A superb copy of a well looked after and treasured 55 yr old annual.

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An original 1953 Rupert Annual, which is in superb condition with the tiniest amount of shelfwear to the corners and edges. The front and back covers are lovely and bright and the spine is complete with some minimal bumping.   The ownership box hasbeen filled in and it has not been price clipped (4/-). The painting competition is has been done. Even with these minor faults, it is an exceptional copy of a 52yr old annual and worthy of being part of a collection.  This is the best 1953 annual I have seen to date - and we have seen a few!

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A very rare and now very hard to find original 1954 Rupert annual in superb condition.  Spine is complete and fully attached.  However the laminate is slightly split at the top of the spine. Name filled in in biro . It has not been  price clipped. Colouring picture has been completed nicely.  The story pages are lovely and bright - all puzzles are clean. There are a couple grubby . This shows the annual has been read but still looked after very well. This annual has not been produced as a facsimile due to the nature of the now politically incorrect contents. A difficult year to find in such wonderful condition. A true asset to any collection.

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Daily Express. 1955. Super condition annual. Colour laminated boards - Rupert hiking in a field. Cover are in excellent condition.  Spine intact and fully attached. First story is Rupert and Poll Parrot.  Belongs to box not filled in . Not price-cut.  Painting page untouched. Crossword completed in pencil. Corners very slightly bumped .  Slight imperfection to front endpaper on rear of front cover. A fantastic addition to any collection.

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Daily Express. 1955. A nice condition annual. Colour laminated boards - Rupert hiking in a field. Cover are in excellent condition.  Spine intact and fully attached. First story is Rupert and Poll Parrot.  Belongs to box has been filled in in pencil and it has been price-cut.  Painting page has been completed nicely. Crossword completed in pencil. Corners very slightly bumped .  A nice addition to any collection.

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An original 1956 annual, in truely superb condition. Cover: Rupert flying through the air on a sledge. Spine best part complete with slight bumping to top and tail. Slight cracking to laminate present along spine length. Slightest loss of covering at top. Corners virtually square with the slighest of bumping.  Name box completed. Not Price cut (4/6-). Some foxing to occasional pages otherwise contents beautifully bright and pages are crisp. Painting page not completed. All puzzles are clean. Cinema show is untouched.  This annual due to the nature of it's contents will not be made into a facsimile at the end of 2005.  This is a very rare and increasingly sought after edition which is in excellent condition. 

One more prized annual for a collector! 

An original 1957 annual in pretty good condition. Cover: Rupert in air balloon that has large springs fitted underneath. Spine very slightly detached at top but is complete. Corners and spine have been bumped.  Name in Box but not price clipped.  Puzzles are intact and not done. Colouring contest page done but still attached - a wee bit messy.  A couple of pages have slight tears at base.  A very nice overall copy of this year and is good enough to sit in any collection.

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An original 1958 annual. In excellent condition. Cover: Rupert leap frogging over Bill Badger.  Spine and corners are tiniest bit bumped. Covers beautifully bright and clean . Name box is completed and dedicated on Title page. It has not been price cut. Colouring contest has been partly done but not completed and remains. Puzzle pages and stamp puzzle page completely untouched. Internally the contents very clean and very bright.  A super copy of a sought after annual.

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Daily Express, 1959. Hard Cover.  A bright cover with a gloss finish features a large head and shoulders view of Rupert holding a beach ball while in the background a rowboat is seen with Pong Ping and Rex and Reggie - the two rabbit brothers. Corners area little bumped. No scratches. Spine is complete which is rare. Hinges are tight. Has been  price clipped (5/-). "Belongs To" box has not been filled in. "Butterfly Puzzle" on page 63 partly coloured in. "Colouring Contest" on page 105 is clean. Puzzles are untouched and in extremely nice condition. Pages are very crisp and bright. A truely superb copy - although it does have an old book smell!? Fantastic for any collection.

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An original copy of the 1960 annual with Magic Paintings.  The first annual to have these included. This book has come from Alfred Bestall's and Mary Tourtel's private archive which was sold at auction in 2007. The spine and corners are slightly bumped. It is not inscribed or price clipped, magic painting pages are completely untouched, which is particularly rare indeed. The pages are in mint condition and this is overall a cracking book and absolutely worthy of it's place in any collection. The contents of this issue may cause offence due to nature of some of references. Will be a very sought after annual in the future.

An original copy of the 1961 annual. Very good condition annual. Pictorial laminated boards showing Rupert on a swing. Slight creasing to  front cover. First story is Rupert and the Hearth-Rug. Includes puzzle page and Magic Painting pages. Corners slightly bumped. Not price cut (5/-) and name box has has not been completed. Magic paintings done a bit messily and do remain. Maze puzzle clean. A lovely bright copy inside with minimal foxing on some page edges.

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An original copy of the 1962 annual with Magic Paintings.  The fourth annual to have these included. This book has come from Alfred Bestall's and Mary Tourtel's private archive which was sold at auction in 2007. The spine and corners are slightly bumped and a slight split to laminate.  There is a small amount of tape residue at the top of the covers. It is not inscribed or price clipped, magic painting pages are completely untouched, which is particularly rare indeed. The pages are in mint condition and this is overall a cracking book and absolutely worthy of it's place in any collection.  A very clean and tight copy, and a nice one to add to a collection. The covers are a little grubby and would benefit from a professional clean by a good book restorer.You would question if this book had actually been read.

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An original copy of the 1962 annual with Magic Paintings.  The fourth annual to have these included. This book has come from Alfred Bestall's and Mary Tourtel's private archive which was sold at auction in 2007. The spine and corners are slightly bumped.  It is not inscribed or price clipped, magic painting pages are completely untouched, which is particularly rare indeed. The pages are in mint condition, however page 51 has been very carefully stuck back into the book. This is overall a cracking book and absolutely worthy of it's place in any collection. An excellent repair.  A very clean and tight copy, and a nice one to add to a collection. The covers are a little grubby and would benefit from a professional clean by a good book restorer.You would question if this book had actually been read.

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An original copy of the 1962 annual with Magic Paintings.  The fifth annual to have these included. This book has come from Alfred Bestall's and Mary Tourtel's private archive which was sold at auction in 2007. The spine and corners are virtually perfect.  It is not inscribed or price clipped, magic painting pages are completely untouched, This is a best part mint copy.  This annual has not been made into facsimile format due to the nature of the contents. A seriously collectable book.

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An original copy of the 1962 annual with Magic Paintings.  The fifth annual to have these included. This book has come from Alfred Bestall's and Mary Tourtel's private archive which was sold at auction in 2007. The spine and corners are slightly bumped and rubbed.  It is not inscribed or price clipped, magic painting pages are completely untouched, This is a fantastic copy.  This annual has not been made into facsimile format due to the nature of the contents. A seriously collectable book.

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This original 1966 Rupert annual is one of the most sought after years of all the annuals.  Why they are so scare is a mystery to us.  But scarce they are.  I have only had four decent copies in the past 5 years. May be it has something to do with The World Cup Year!

However.... This book has come from Alfred Bestall's and Mary Tourtel's private archive which was sold at auction in 2007. The spine and corners are perfect.   A best part mint condition and unread annual. It is not inscribed or price clipped, the magic painting pages are completely untouched, This is a fantastic copy.  A seriously collectable book.

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This original 1966 Rupert annual is one of the most sought after years of all the annuals.  Why they are so scare is a mystery to us.  But scarce they are.  I have only had four decent copies in the past 5 years. May be it has something to do with The World Cup Year!

However.... This book has also come from Alfred Bestall's and Mary Tourtel's private archive which was sold at auction in 2007. The spine has slight bumps to tip and tail and corners are similar. These are hardly noticeable. Internally, mint condition and unread annual. It is not inscribed or price clipped, the magic painting pages are completely untouched, There is slight tape damage to front endpaper at the top left corner.  This is where I believe this book was previously covered to preserve it. This is a still a fantastic copy.  A seriously collectable book.

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This original 1966 Rupert annual is one of the most sought after years of all the annuals.  Why they are so scare is a mystery to us.  But scarce they are.  I have only had four decent copies in the past 5 years. May be it has something to do with The World Cup Year!

However.... This book has also come from Alfred Bestall's and Mary Tourtel's private archive which was sold at auction in 2007. The spine has slight bumps to tip and tail and corners have a little shelfwear.  Internally, mint condition and unread annual. It is not inscribed or price clipped, the magic painting pages are completely untouched,  This is a still a fantastic copy.  A seriously collectable book.

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A rare original copy of the 1968 annual that actually has none of the magic paintings completed. This is the last Rupert annual to include Magic Paintings. Cover is of Rupert & chums watching large ball coming down from the sky. One not to be missed. This book has come from Alfred Bestall's and Mary Tourtel's private archive which was sold at auction in 2007. The spine and corners are slightly bumped and scuffed.   Internally in perfect condition and appears an unread annual. It is not inscribed or price clipped, This is a superb copy.  A seriously collectable book.