One of the joys of caring for aging parents (or in-laws) is that often as the inevitable downsizing begins, you get their stuff. This might be cool if 99% of it weren’t junk. Ancient tools, stacks of picture frames, geological surveys from 1950–you get the picture.
But then, every so often something interesting pops up.
This is the case with the hundreds of boxed National Geographic Magazines Margaret and Conrad gave us a couple of years ago. Despite their the cool pictures and somewhat historical nature, they’re not worth anything–believe me, I checked. But you can’t help but keep them. They’re just so darned neat. Many of the pictures are stunning, and the stories are still fascinating–especially if you look at them like an artifact.
After awhile though, the novelty runs out and you realize you can’t keep hundreds of old magazines in your garage forever.
And then you find a 1939 issue that includes a 32 page story entitled “NEWS OF THE UNIVERSE”. So what did we know about space in 1939?
Well, for one thing–using water melting from its polar ice caps, green green vegetation flourished seasonally on Mars.
Anyway, I thought it might be fun to share some of the photos and illustrations from that article. I kept the pictures in order as they appeared in the story.
So without further ado:
The caption was too far in the binding for me to get a good scan of it, but it read, “Saturn, with its strange revolving rings, as seen from an asteroid 500,000 miles away.”
I think this one’s my favorite:
About the artist:
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53 responses so far ↓
1 Mrs. Chili // Nov 24, 2007 at 8:03 pm
THAT is totally cool. We stand to inherit literally decades worth of National Geographics when my in-laws pass, but I don’t know if they have the entire run from the very first issue….
Thanks Mrs Chili,
I was hoping someone else would appreciate that. The whole thing is kind of a double edged sword. It’s just so much junk, but every now and then I’ll find something cool. Like that issue with that famous picture of the the young Afghanistan girl with her piercing eyes–I found that issue.
And it’s always fun to look at those old advertisements.
Thanks again for stopping by!
Chris
Chris
2 Sam Sizer // Nov 25, 2007 at 3:23 am
Very interesting! Vegetation on Mars? Absurd! Though, it was 1939. Very interesting! My Grandparents sent me an issue of something back in the 1960’s and that sort of stuff is interesting to read I think. Great blog!
3 National Geographic: Trash or Treasure Slideshow // Nov 28, 2007 at 2:17 pm
[...] were so many pictures in my post about space from a 1939 National Geographic Magazine, I thought it might be fun to make a slideshow of them all. So here you [...]
4 Darren Clark // Dec 5, 2007 at 3:07 pm
Thanks for the neat look. I’ve never seen an issue quite that old before. My fiancee and I both grew up in households where NG arrived monthly, was thoroughly read by everyone in the house, and eventually each issue (after residing in the magazine rack for far too long) was dutifully packed away into Bankers’ boxes by our mothers, rarely or never to be enjoyed again. Both matriarchs still have their ever-growing dusty collections of magazines that everyone has read yet nobody dares throw away.
I decided to challenge the NG paradigm once and for all this September when my son was assigned a Grade 7 collage project. He couldn’t believe it when I told him to start cutting up my NGs and initially flat-out refused (Gramma taught him well!) I surprised myself when I immediately and definitively told him I would much rather see them used for a school project than hanging around in dusty boxes years from now. He received an excellent grade on his collage, his friends were able to utilize many of the quality images as well, and now his teacher will gladly accept donations of my older issues - A finer recyclying program I cannot imagine!
I’m a huge supporter of the idea that life is far better the less one forms attachments to ‘things’ , but the family has collectively agreed not to tell “the Grammas” about putting the shears to a NG, just in case.
Hi Darren,
I know what you mean. It takes a bit of an adjustment to start cutting up artifacts from the grandparents. But just think if we had to save everything. My house has enough clutter.
Welcome. It’s always nice to meet someone with common interests. Great to see you around.
Chris
5 Sally // Dec 6, 2007 at 5:46 am
Does this National Geographic have an ad for
“The Little Leather Library Corp.” on the back of it? If it does I would love a copy of that ad..
Thanks for all your time.
Sally
Hi Sally,
Nope. Sorry.
The back ad on this issue is for “Grace Line Caribbean-South American Cruises”
But I’ll keep an eye out for you and drop you an email if I find one for “The Little Leather Library Corp.” I love looking at the old ads. I was actually thinking of posting some of the more interesting ones.
May I ask why you are looking for that ad? What did/does “The Little Leather Library Corp do?”
Chris
6 Darren Clark // Dec 12, 2007 at 3:08 pm
Chris,
If Sally comes back to check or if you somehow log an email address when she posts, she’s looking for one of the following NG issues:
1922 - January, April, June, October
1923 - January, April, October
1924 - January, March, October
I’m assuming Sally is looking for an original, but scans of every NG ad can be found at http://home.earthlink.net/~littlelibrary/history.html
Hope this helps!
Hi Darren,
I was actually just looking a bit last night. I think the earliest issues I have are from 1934.
Thanks for the link! That is pretty cool.
Chris
7 Darrell Mott // Mar 2, 2008 at 11:36 am
I am looking for National Geor. Magazine slip
covers for my collection Thanks
Darrell Mott
8 todd // Apr 19, 2008 at 8:19 am
I have 1960’s to 1990’s I know they contain so much cultural info, but they take up a lot of room
9 Jayne Youdan // Aug 8, 2008 at 4:07 am
Hi All
Having recently moved into our new home, we uncovered many “treasures” in the loft! Stamps, old clocks and about 30 years of NGs. We often pondered on the value of them, the clocks and stamps having already been taken to the tip after valuation! Well I guess I’ve got my answer! It seems such a shame but thanks to your website and comments of others I can now do the necessary with a clear conscience - and not expect to retire early on the fruits of our find!
10 Jan Claes, Hasselt, Belgium // Aug 18, 2008 at 11:40 am
Hi Chris, I love old magazines and in 2000 I actually BOUGHT at a garage sale one (1) old (1943) issue of NG and now, reading a book about the war, once again this issue proves to be an interesting and relevant addition and gives me hours of nice reading!
Would’nt separate from it even if I got ten times what I paid it. ( 5 dollar or so, I guess)
If I had a garage full of these, I’d spent some time with them now and then.
So…save them for posterity.
Greetz,
Jan
11 Liz // Sep 29, 2008 at 3:03 pm
I own the cd collection of the magazine from the first issue up till 1997, I hope that one day NG re-releases the set. Now with computers running faster the program no longer works *curse vista* I do love spending a rainy day browsing a cd or two since without the program there is no search engine for articles.
12 Dude // Jan 15, 2009 at 11:12 am
I have hundred of NG magz from 1931 to 1945 and the ads alone are fun to look at. New Buick for 1500.00 and New England telegrapg Co. ads> I thought perhaps they would be worth something, but i guess you answered my Question.
I know what you mean about the ads. Someday if I get around to it, I’d like to scan in and post some of the ads as well. Good stuff.
Thanks for the comment.
Chris
13 SUZY // Mar 11, 2009 at 9:29 pm
Hi fellow nutters
I’m so glad I came accross your site, I thought I was the only nut obsessed with the old ng’s .
It’s a pity they have no real monitory value - but who knows our efforts may be rewarded in decades to come. by the way what is the oldest Ng sited? I have a 1929 Sept. edition
- Chris, Thanks for the chance to exchange info. I feel rassured that all is now right with the world, and it looks like im in good company.
Hi Suzy,
You’re right. You can relax. All is right with the world. And the company is much improved now that you’re here.
Chris
14 Tom // Apr 4, 2009 at 7:52 pm
Nice article. For what it is worth, I AM scanning old ads from National Geographics (and other publications as well). I recently found a bunch a (1930w-1950s) at used book store. Graphic designers like myself find inspiration in these and they are becoming increasing popular. I wish I could come across boxes of these! My website is Retroadsandgraphics.com. Thanks,
15 Colleen // Apr 19, 2009 at 3:21 pm
HI. My neighbors are looking for an issue on Anarctica in the 1940s or 50s in which their uncle, a Navy photographer, has photos. His name was REctor. Any such thing in your collection? Thanks.
16 Patricia // May 1, 2009 at 1:29 pm
I am torned apart! I am getting marry to a neat, “throw everything that you don’t use” man (other than that he is wonderful) I would love to be able to donate my precious collection to a place were they will appreciate it, but nobody seems to be interseted. How frustrated!
17 Ron // Jul 13, 2009 at 8:32 pm
My girlfriend bought a house several years ago and found quite a collection of NG’s in the basement. The oldest one dates to February, 1911. Yes that is 1911. It was signed in 2 places by a John B. Hunt (have no idea who he is)
18 Jaimie // Jul 17, 2009 at 7:09 am
There’s a place in Canberra(Australia) that has a complete collection dating back to 1906!I stayed there overnight once-it was great!
19 Thomas // Aug 20, 2009 at 5:19 pm
Need a picture of the old globe logo of the society…..help
20 Jason Gregory // Sep 7, 2009 at 5:01 pm
i have a bunch a just got dating back to 1911-1916 or soo
21 Margaret // Oct 19, 2009 at 8:11 pm
Looking for the Dec 1924 issue, which has pics on Puerto Rico (Porto Rico at the time)
22 Debbie // Nov 1, 2009 at 12:22 am
There is a bustling trade of National Geographics on eBay and other auction sites. I myself have 1905 to today, in slipcases, lined up on bookcases in my home office. My kids love to sit down there and pick one out of the blue and read them and I wouldn’t give them up for anything.
Someone here asked what the oldest one is - October 1888 - and I have an authourized reprint of it.
If anyone finds some 1905 or older, please drop me an email and I will gladly take it.
23 Debbie // Nov 1, 2009 at 12:23 am
It didn’t post my email addy: unicornservices@shaw.ca
24 Debbie // Nov 1, 2009 at 12:27 am
Margaret - I have a December 1924 for sale
Visit my website: http://www.members.shaw.ca/unicornservices/back_issues.htm Though I haven’t updated it for a while (bad me) my inventory list says it is in Good condition and sells for $10.75US. I will sell for $6
25 Steve // Nov 24, 2009 at 6:54 am
Debbie
I have many old original issues of National Geographics and reprints that date from 1888 to 1907 and originals that are from 1907 to the early 50’s. They are duplicates. Maybe we can agree on a price?
26 Francis Bower // Dec 4, 2009 at 2:51 pm
I have NG from around 1905 up to around 1923 I never counted then but it must be arould 100 more or less. Allmost all are in excellent or like new condition
27 Blake M // Jan 5, 2010 at 6:53 am
This is awesome. Anyone interested in old NG mags and even new ones should consider it. It definitely takes up less room than a full collection:
http://shop.nationalgeographic.com/ngs/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=1076013
28 Bill Reynolds // Jan 7, 2010 at 1:16 pm
I have a lot of older N.G. 1950 to 1980. looking to swap for any N.G. befor 1920.
29 Wally // Jan 24, 2010 at 3:01 pm
Hi Chris, I have the very same dilemma. My Dad passed away and I have a whole wall full of NG going back to the 40’s and some individual ones dating back to the 20’s. It would break my heart to toss them, but finding a good home for them even as a donation is very difficult.
30 Jorge Sturla // Jan 26, 2010 at 1:57 pm
Great post! I was just browsing around to find how
much would a NG collection be worth. My grandfather
left me his collection from 1934 till 2004, when he
passed away. Neither my grandma nor I pursued
his subscription.
For me they are priceless given the emotional value.
But I’m amazed that some people here have NG issues
dating back to the real early 1900’s! Impressive!
31 Anonymous // Jan 27, 2010 at 5:55 pm
If you have pre 1920s editions you are INSANE to sell them for cheap or give them away
32 Linda Honegger // Feb 2, 2010 at 7:59 pm
Do you have the (4/13/1916??) issue about Hiram Bingham discovering Macchu Picchu? I would be very interested in purchasing this issue.
33 george o // Feb 9, 2010 at 11:15 pm
hi Chris,i am not a lucky guy like many of you that hinerited a National Geographic Magazine collection, but i ben working on collecting as many magazines as i can get my hands on,my main source is my local librarywhere i get issues from the late 60’s to the last months issue at cheap prices…(.10 to .25 cents each,even some with the original maps suplements…ii will get my DVDroom collection by my bithday,but is not the same as openning an old issue that has been on a dusty attic or garage for years……i also read and like to see the older magazines ,the oldest one i seen is from 1914 at the local library. I will like to invite any one that cant take care of those old magazines you recived from your grandpas or fathers, to donate them to your local library,they can sell them to people like me and we can get to take care of them and enjoy them again…..thank you again
34 Mary Shelll // Feb 14, 2010 at 7:36 pm
I have several NG Mags…..early as Feb 1920
What are they worth?
35 al // Feb 21, 2010 at 6:20 pm
Hey i have every national geographic magazine from January 1961 - January 2010 all in very good condition including the December 1969 issue about the first man on the moon how much do you think the whole lot of them is worth?
36 K. Borowicz // Feb 28, 2010 at 12:03 pm
Hey-I have 3 boxes of National Geographic magazines. They are from 1924-1950 and about 1965-1997. They were passed down through the family. Make me an offer for a issue or all of them. Detroit area. Email me at buy_bnbn@yahoo.com. Thanks
37 Laura // Feb 28, 2010 at 1:10 pm
Chris, can you tell me if the July 1939 issue has the picture of the schooner “When and If”? I know it appeared in a 1939 issue, but I don’t know which month. I thought maybe it was in the article entitled “At Home on the Worlds Oceans.” It might also be in the December issue since it was taken in the West Indies.
Thanks,
Laura
38 Martha Riera // Mar 16, 2010 at 2:32 pm
Hello I have 16 issues of old National Geographic Magazines, which I would like to sell, because I stopped collecting them. (It became to expensive for me). The magazines are in very good condition.
Magazines:1897 (one issue)
1900 (two issues)
1901 (for issues)
1902 (two issues)
1904 (one issue)
1905 (five issues)
1906 (one issue)
If you have any questions or want to buy them, please contact me.
39 Martha Riera // Mar 16, 2010 at 2:34 pm
here is my email andres.ri94@gmail.com
(excuse me moderator for posting twice)
40 tommy // Apr 15, 2010 at 11:29 am
very cool stuff.
41 Mark // Apr 19, 2010 at 9:14 am
I have many issues dating from 1915 to present. I would be interested in selling the entire collection. All bindings are intact and in good condition.
42 Kassity // Apr 24, 2010 at 6:52 pm
I have a large collection of issues & maps from 1930 to 2000. I am just now categorizing them.
What I can tell so far is, I have all the maps to those dates - they have never been opened and are in excellent shape. The maps are to be sold as a group. If interested - email me.
43 patricia smtih // Apr 29, 2010 at 9:32 pm
my dad found a dec 1929 edition and i was wondering if it was worth anything?
44 Dorothy // May 31, 2010 at 12:33 pm
We have boxes of old NG’s , with some going back to the 1950’s. If anyone is interested in them, I believe you can have them for the cost of shipping them to you.
Let me know. Seems like a shame to throw them out.
45 James // Jun 13, 2010 at 4:59 pm
I have about 10 boxes of National Geographics from the late 19th century through to the shameful Afghan girl issue of the mid 1980s. I’m glad to have the early ones, especially for the adverts, but they really are appalling after that…
46 Feri Molnar // Jul 7, 2010 at 5:53 am
Hi Chris, I have all the issues of National Geographic Magazine. Some of the 1890s are reprints from 1930’s. As I live in Europe, it has taken my about 3 years to collect all the pre 1960s issues, but has suceeded. Since NG has issued the collection on DVD and HDD (again) I have obtained the electronic collection as well, but I’m using that mostly for browsing and as soon as I know which issue to look for I’m back at the shelves to take out the physical copy.
47 CARMEN PANAGA // Jul 7, 2010 at 4:26 pm
My husband has 2 complete set of NG 1940′S TO PRESENT. What is the best way to sell it
48 Chris E. // Jul 18, 2010 at 1:06 pm
I have a fairly complete collection of National Geographic Magazines in my library. I will be moving in a month or two, and am interested in liquidating these magazines, rather than paying to have them moved.
My collection goes back to Oct 1930, up through 2006. In this range I am only missing a few: Jun ‘76 and most of 1996. I have two of Dec ‘69 (moon landing) and have two of the Dec 1988 hologram issues. The three ’sound’ issues still have the records inside them, not torn out.
I also have three hardcover indexes: 1888-1946, 1888-1988, and 1947-1983.
49 jennifer // Jul 21, 2010 at 5:38 pm
i have a bunch of onld national geograph magiznes in my base ment and well if anybody wants or knows where i can sell them please emale me right away im not sure wich ones i have but there are alot of old ones please and thank you,
jenifer
50 Susie // Jul 23, 2010 at 1:21 pm
We don’t have issues that are quite that old.. but I have issues from 1985 onward. A few years ago I had to eliminate the 1970’s issues and took them to our library but they are no longer interested in loose magazines. I’d like to reduce things down to 1995 to the present. If anyone would like the 1985 to 95 issues, they’re yours for free. Just email me at susmeg@verizon.net
51 Esmeralda // Aug 6, 2010 at 5:26 pm
I have ng magazines from the late 40s to early 90s how much are they worth? If your interested in buying let me know…
Eguerra7@att.net
52 Bruce // Aug 18, 2010 at 7:40 pm
I am looking for July 1931.
53 mark // Aug 21, 2010 at 5:40 am
i have ng magazines from 27 to 70.i want to sell if anybody is interested in them.
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