Calling all Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory fans.
Ahead of the 50th anniversary cinematic release of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, an online antiques marketplace has revealed the most valuable Roald Dahl books currently on the market - and owing the top 5 could fetch you £31,000 - yes please!
The film was released by Paramount Pictures on June 30, 1971 and to celebrate, Antiques website, LoveAntiques.com, have listed the top 10 books as well as the most valuable memorabilia which includes valuable copies of childrens’ classic The Witches and The BFG.
The marketplace has also written a guide offering advice for collectors, which includes the importance of condition, and how a signed copy can, on average, increase the value of a book by more than a jaw-dropping 900%.
Whether you're a fan of the films or just love reading the books, this list may surprise you.
Where do you think Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory placed?
The 10 most valuable Roald Dahl books:
- The Gremlins - £12,500 - 1944 First UK edition with first US edition from 1943.
- The Witches - £6,750 - First edition, first impression. Presentation copy.
- Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator - £4,250 – First US edition, signed and inscribed.
- The Magic Finger - £3,750 - First UK edition, first impression and inscribed.
- Someone Like You - £3,750 - First edition, first printing. Presentation copy, inscribed.
- The BFG - £3,250 - First edition, first impression.
- James and The Giant Peach - £3,000 - First edition, first printing, with the five-line colophon on the last page.
- Boy - £3,000 - First edition, first impression, presentation copy.
- The Twits - £3,000 - First edition, first impression, inscribed by the author.
- Fantastic Mr Fox - £2,950 - First edition, first printing.
In addition to the book list, valuable film memorabilia includes Willy Wonka’s top hat signed by Gene Wilder, who passed away in 2016, as well as the Golden Ticket announcement from the 2005 version of the film, currently on sale for £1173.51 and £300 respectively.
If you're looking to collect or sell, it's important to note the completeness and integrity of the item is key. For example, memorabilia without its original packaging or books with pages missing could significantly reduce its value.
Will Thomas of LoveAntiques.com said: “Willy Wonka is such a classic film, I’d even say it’s at cult status.
"There’s no wonder why it’s so universally loved. Roald Dahl was such an incredible author with the ability to capture the imagination of both adults and the naughtiest child alike, which is why we wanted to celebrate the 50th cinematic anniversary of one of his most famous stories.”
