Enquiries Register
Questions received at the counter, answered briefly and filed by number. Each answer points to the entry that holds the detail.
What counts as a trade catalogue?
Any printed publication issued by a maker or seller to describe goods for sale: price lists, illustrated catalogues, seed lists, type specimen books and mail-order books. See Entry 01.
How do I date an undated catalogue?
Use internal evidence: addresses and postal codes, telephone numbers, prices, product models, printing process and company name changes. See Entry 02.
Should I laminate a fragile catalogue?
No. Lamination is irreversible and damaging. Use an uncoated polyester sleeve or an acid-free folder. See Entry 03.
Are old catalogues valuable?
Some are. Subject, rarity, completeness and condition drive value. Common late-twentieth-century issues are usually modest in price. See Entry 04.
Gloves or bare hands?
For paper, clean and dry bare hands are generally preferred, because cotton gloves reduce grip and increase the risk of tears.
Can I remove old sticky tape?
Leave it unless it is already detaching. Adhesive residue often comes away with the paper surface; consult a conservator.
What resolution should I scan at?
Around 400 ppi with an uncompressed TIFF master is a practical baseline for a private collection, with a JPEG copy for everyday use.
Where can I see full runs of catalogues?
Institutions such as the Smithsonian Libraries and Archives, Hagley Museum and Library, Winterthur Library, the Library of Congress and the Museum of English Rural Life hold trade literature.
Does Catalogpitallynestl buy or value catalogues?
No. The catalogue is an independent reference. It does not buy, sell or appraise items.
How do I report an error?
File a request slip on the Request Desk page, naming the entry concerned and your source. Corrections are logged and dated.