1951 Detroit Yellow Pages Phone Book

**CountrySquire** · December-11-12, 10:04 AM

A friend of mine got big money for his '65, I decided to offer my '51 for sale. I will list on eBay this Thursday for $700. If you want to make an offer before then send me a message through this forum.

**MikeM** · December-11-12, 10:12 AM

$700? Holy smokes, I think the most I've ever paid for one from that era is $35. Let us know what it goes for; I might put my entire collection up for sale.

**CountrySquire** · December-11-12, 10:30 AM

I've seen the 60s ones go for big money on eBay. My friend sold his '65 for $368 and it went to TX of all places.

Shollin · December-11-12, 10:35 AM

I didn't know phone books were collectible.

**mikefmich** · December-11-12, 10:42 AM

I'm sorry, but you will be lucky to get 10% of $700-.

**CountrySquire** · December-11-12, 10:43 AM

Of a certain age only, I've tried to sell my '91s for $10 and couldn't get any buyers. The YP are more desirable because of the business listings and graphics I assume.

**CountrySquire** · December-11-12, 10:44 AM

Originally Posted by mikefmich

I'm sorry, but you will be lucky to get 10% of $700-.

Not according to what they have sold for, check for yourself on Ebay.

JVB · December-11-12, 10:45 AM

List it for $1 and set your reserve at $700. That way you don't scare off prospective bidders and have a better chance of sparking a bidding war. If it doesn't get up to $700 you don't have to sell it.

**Maof** · December-11-12, 02:27 PM

crap, saw a 1949 one at the "antiques mall" on harper in s.c.s. for $75.00 and thought that was too much. did find relatives in that book and i'm sure it also gave their occupations.

**old guy** · December-11-12, 02:53 PM

Good luck. My guess is somewhere between $10 - $30. But... you never know.

**CountrySquire** · December-11-12, 03:25 PM

Originally Posted by Maof

crap, saw a 1949 one at the "antiques mall" on harper in s.c.s. for $75.00 and thought that was too much. did find relatives in that book and i'm sure it also gave their occupations.

That sounds more like a Polk City Directory, I have one of those too, from 1939. My Yellow Pages, just shows business listings.

**Crystal** · December-11-12, 05:19 PM

Maybe Chumlee or the Old Man would have an opinion?

**Ray1936** · December-11-12, 08:07 PM

"Five bucks. Tops."

**Django** · December-12-12, 03:52 AM

Do you have an e bay listing link? I couldnt find any there.

**Krawlspace** · December-12-12, 06:46 AM

I keep an eye out for both the Bell and Polk books on eBay. A Bell "white pages" book from 1954 just sold on Sunday for $184.37 with 20 bids. I have seen some go up to around $300 or more ca. 1880 - 1930. It really depends on condition of course and who's on eBay that week. Back in October a 1940 Bell book in slightly rougher shape than the '54 book I mentioned sold for $77.05 with only 6 bids. It's always a crap shoot on eBay. For my money Polk is the only choice with their added details about businesses and individuals, but I only do general Detroit research. The Bell books can be invaluable for people researching genealogy.

**mikefmich** · December-12-12, 06:56 AM

Originally Posted by CountrySquire

Not according to what they have sold for, check for yourself on Ebay.

Hey...if you do, more power to you.

**jtf1972** · December-12-12, 09:46 AM

I may have to put my 1959 up for sale...

**CountrySquire** · December-12-12, 10:10 AM

Originally Posted by Django

Do you have an e bay listing link? I couldnt find any there.

Listing it tomorrow night.....

**Detroit Signal** · December-12-12, 10:25 PM

Here is mine from 1958. It was a payphone book and has a hard cover and the hook/chain where is would hang from. It is in very good condition and looks like it was never used. The outer cover is fairly scuffed.

Name: IMG_5334.JPG
Views: 4199
Size: 28.3 KB

Name: IMG_5334.JPG
Views: 4199
Size: 28.3 KB

Name: IMG_5335.JPG
Views: 4501
Size: 29.5 KB

**CountrySquire** · December-13-12, 10:57 AM

Originally Posted by Detroit Signal

Here is mine from 1958. It was a payphone book and has a hard cover and the hook/chain where is would hang from. It is in very good condition and looks like it was never used. The outer cover is fairly scuffed.

Name: IMG_5334.JPG
Views: 4199
Size: 28.3 KB

Sweet! If mine does not sell for $700, I am fine with keeping it, I supposed if the auction closes with out bids and some body offers me $500 I would probably take it, but nothing less.

**oldtvsandtoys** · December-14-12, 10:36 PM

If anyone wants to sell a Detroit phonebook I am looking to buy one. But not for $500

**CountrySquire** · December-15-12, 01:42 PM

Originally Posted by oldtvsandtoys

If anyone wants to sell a Detroit phonebook I am looking to buy one. But not for $500

I have an 81 West Northwest Yellow pages I'll let go for $40, I have an 85 East Side White Pages on Ebay with a bid at $10, I have '91 North Woodward Yellow and White Pages $10 ea, '85 Southfield white pages $10.

**M CD M** · December-16-12, 09:55 PM

I bought a 1968 Detroit yellow pages [[in an Ohio antique shop) It's got Cobo on the cover.

**MikeM** · December-21-12, 10:14 AM

Did it sell yet?

**CountrySquire** · December-21-12, 02:43 PM

Originally Posted by MikeM

Did it sell yet?

No, but the fact I had it up for auction caused three of my other phone books to sell. I am pleased. People came into the showroom to see the Escalade and wound up buying the ATS.