Hello my name is Quentin Moyer and I came across this book in an antique shop a couple of weeks ago. I can tell the signature was written with a calligraphy pen (otherwise known as a "dip pen") or a calligraphy fountain pen (earliest ballpoint pens) based on the structure of the writing. It wouldn't be possible to sign something like this with a modern day ink pen. This antique shop was located in Wilmington, North Carolina. This is a first edition novel, because the paper matches the time and the book itself is in fair condition. This book also belonged to the library, because the first page as a "Date Slip" tab which as been torn off. I'd like to know if this book was signed by a school or just by some person, and hopefully, someone famous. If anyone could help me identify this signature then please let me know in the comments or please message me. I would greatly appreciate it! I also apologize for the images being sideways and the quality is not perfect.
-Quentin Moyer

Does it have Wilmington Public Library stamped on it? Maybe give them a call or even go there if you live close by? Their reference department may recognize the book and know its history.

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Originally Posted by Wondergirl

Does it have Wilmington Public Library stamped on it? Maybe give them a call or even go there if you live close by? Their reference department may recognize the book and know its history.

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No, The book had a date slip in the front, but it was ripped out, only leaving the words "Date Slip". The book itself has no stamp in it saying it belonged to a library, but the date slip is the only thing that would hint it belonged to a library. I'm not 100% sure if it is Wilmington's or not.

No library stamp on an inside page or on the edges of the pages?

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Originally Posted by Wondergirl

No library stamp on an inside page or on the edges of the pages?

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Nope, I looked through every page, and there was no stamp. Only the date slip.

I've worked in libraries for 30 years and know that libraries tend to stamp their books at least twice. Hmmm, makes me wonder if it was a public or academic library book. Maybe it was in a private collection, but the owner lent it out and had gotten date due slips from his own public library.

Are you near a public library?

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Originally Posted by Wondergirl

I've worked in libraries for 30 years and know that libraries tend to stamp their books at least twice. Hmmm, makes me wonder if it was a public or academic library book. Maybe it was in a private collection, but the owner lent it out and had gotten date due slips from his own public library.

Are you near a public library?

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Yeah I know libraries tend to stamp their books. Even school libraries do, but yes I do have access to visit a few public libraries. 2 in Wilmington, and 1 in Burgaw, either one I can visit.

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Originally Posted by QuentinMoyer

Yeah I know libraries tend to stamp their books. Even school libraries do, but yes I do have access to visit a few public libraries. 2 in Wilmington, and 1 in Burgaw, either one I can visit.

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If I were you, I'd take it to the reference desk and let a professional librarian examine it and check out that signature. Being able to see that signature up close and personal and maybe with a magnifying glass might help decode it.

My sil and her husband live in Carolina Beach, so if you see them, say hi from me.

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Originally Posted by Wondergirl

If I were you, I'd take it to the reference desk and let a professional librarian examine it and check out that signature. Being able to see that signature up close and personal and maybe with a magnifying glass might help decode it.

My sil and her husband live in Carolina Beach, so if you see them, say hi from me.

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Haha, all right thank you. I'll do that.

Let me know what happens!