first version copy of JRR Tolkein’s The Hobbit has bought for over £10,000 after being found by likelihood in a Scottish charity store.

The uncommon copy of the well-known guide, which follows the adventures of Bilbo Baggins, was discovered by a supervisor on the Cancer Research UK superstore in Dundee.

Though the shop’s pricing mannequin is to promote objects for £5 or much less, the guide was put up on the market on eBay – later fetching £10,099.50.

Published in 1937, the guide is one among simply 1,500 copies launched within the authentic run and options black and white illustrations by Tolkien himself.

Superstore supervisor, Adam Carsley, who discovered the guide, mentioned he had initially thought that the “well looked after” copy was “not really sellable on the shop floor due to its age”.

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At first, I assumed we’d get a most of £500 if we have been fortunate so I couldn’t consider it once I heard just a few months later it had bought for over £10,000.

Mr Carsley had been on the Dundee Superstore simply earlier than opening to help with the coaching of latest managers and the organisation of inventory – together with a whole lot of books within the backroom – when he got here throughout the merchandise.

“I opened the first page to see it was a first edition and thought it may be worthy of sending to the eBay team,” he mentioned.

“At first, I thought we’d get a maximum of £500 if we were lucky so I couldn’t believe it when I heard a few months later it had sold for over £10,000.”

Mr Carsley continued: “To my knowledge this is one the most valuable items donated to one of our stores. Most definitely the highest price achieved on our eBay site for a single item.

“Donations like these help to fund lifesaving research across the whole of the UK.”