A father's routine trip to a charity shop with his two daughters turned into an astonishing discovery when he picked up three books for just £1 each, only to find they were signed by the legendary author Terry Pratchett.
The Unexpected Discovery
Chris was browsing his local charity shop with his two youngest daughters when he spotted several books by Terry Pratchett among the shelves. He purchased three of them for a total of £3, thinking they were ordinary used books. It wasn't until he returned home and examined them more closely that he made an incredible find.
Signature Revelation
Upon opening the books, Chris noticed signatures on the inside covers of all three volumes. In a TikTok video shared with his 5,700 followers, he explained that his daughters were "talking throughout the entire recording" during the shop visit, so he had muted the video. He then revealed the signatures to his audience, showing one book that contained not just a signature but additional writing from the author.
Initially uncertain whether the signatures were printed or genuine, Chris asked his followers for their opinion. Many responded that they appeared to be authentic author signatures, making the books potentially valuable collectibles.
Potential Value of the Find
Terry Pratchett, best known for his Discworld series of 41 comic fantasy novels published between 1983 and 2015, remains one of Britain's most beloved authors. His books range from affordable paperbacks to highly valuable collectibles, with signed copies being particularly sought after by collectors.
One of the books Chris found was The Light Fantastic, a highly collectible title that could sell for over £2,000 depending on the edition and condition. Early first editions of Pratchett's work can command significant prices, with The Colour of Magic sometimes selling for up to £22,500 and The Carpet People for around £975.
Collector's Advice
For those wondering how to determine the value of such finds, experts recommend checking "sold" listings on platforms like eBay to see what collectors are actually paying. Alternatively, seeking professional appraisal from auction houses or rare book specialists can provide accurate valuations.
Chris concluded his social media post by noting, "I think they could sell for more than a pound each," significantly understating what could be a life-changing discovery from a simple charity shop visit.
The Charity Shop Experience
This remarkable story highlights why charity shop browsing remains popular among bargain hunters and collectors alike. While many visits yield only mediocre finds, the occasional sensational discovery makes the patience required worthwhile. Charity shops continue to be treasure troves where valuable items can surface among everyday donations, often priced for quick sale rather than their true market value.
The experience serves as a reminder that valuable collectibles can appear in the most unexpected places, waiting to be discovered by observant shoppers willing to look beyond surface appearances.
