A routine day at an Oxford charity shop turned into something truly magical when sharp-eyed volunteer Jonny Brayshaw uncovered a literary treasure among donated items.
The 26-year-old was sorting through bags at the Oxfam Bookshop when he spotted something extraordinary - a rare first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone that could now be worth more than £20,000.
The Moment of Discovery
"I was going through the donations and immediately noticed this particular book looked different," Jonny explained. "The cover artwork was unusual and something just told me this was special."
His intuition proved correct. The book was one of only 500 first edition copies printed in 1997, featuring several key identifying features that make it highly valuable to collectors.
What Makes This Copy So Valuable?
The discovered treasure contains all the tell-tale signs of a genuine first edition:
- The copyright page credits 'Joanne Rowling' rather than J.K. Rowling
- It features the original publisher's name 'Bloomsbury' on the spine
- The print line reads '10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1'
- Page 53 includes the word 'wand' repeated twice in the list of school supplies
These subtle differences might escape the untrained eye, but for book collectors, they represent the holy grail of modern literary finds.
From Charity Shop to Auction House
After confirming the book's authenticity, the charity shop decided to send it to specialist auctioneers Hansons Auctioneers for valuation. Expert Jim Spencer confirmed it was a genuine first edition, noting its excellent condition with only minor wear.
"Finding any Harry Potter first edition is exciting, but this one is particularly special," Spencer remarked. "The fact it was just sitting in a charity donation makes it even more remarkable."
The Magic Continues
This isn't the first time Jonny has uncovered valuable items during his charity work. The English Literature graduate has developed an eye for spotting hidden gems, though this discovery tops them all.
"You never know what might come through the door," Jonny said. "That's what makes working here so exciting. This find shows that magical surprises can be hiding anywhere - even in an ordinary donation bag."
The book is expected to go under the hammer in July, with all proceeds benefiting Oxfam's charitable work, proving that sometimes charity really does begin with a magical find.
