A Bear Called Paddington First Edition
A first edition, first impression of A Bear Called Paddington by Michael Bond (Collins, 1958) is worth about $5,414 unsigned in near fine condition, and up to $9,258 signed, based on recorded sales. The first point to check: Title page: “Collins, St James’s Place, London, 1958” (later impressions have no date on the title page).
Market value · Unsigned, near fine
$5,414
Valued from 3 recorded sales in the last 12 months.
What a copy is worth
| Condition | Unsigned | Signed | Inscribed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine | $6,226 | $9,258 | $9,258 |
| Near fine | $5,414 | $8,050 | $8,050 |
| Very good | $4,602 | $6,843 | $6,843 |
How to identify this edition
These points tell this edition apart from other printings and editions of A Bear Called Paddington.
✓ Title page: “Collins, St James’s Place, London, 1958” (later impressions have no date on the title page)
✓ Copyright page: “© Michael Bond, 1958 / Printed in Great Britain / Collins Clear-Type Press: London and Glasgow” and no other date or impression line
✓ Dust jacket: pale blue and white, Peggy Fortnum’s Paddington on the front; rear panel advertises “The Adventures of Frankie & Jessie” by Joan Simpson
✓ Price: 8s 6d net (8 shillings 6 pence) on the front flap (unclipped)
✓ Binding: red cloth, spine lettered in silver “A Bear Called Paddington · Michael Bond · Collins”
Common questions
- How do I know if my copy of A Bear Called Paddington is a first edition, first impression?
- ✓ Title page: “Collins, St James’s Place, London, 1958” (later impressions have no date on the title page) ✓ Copyright page: “© Michael Bond, 1958 / Printed in Great Britain / Collins Clear-Type Press: London and Glasgow” and no other date or impression line ✓ Dust jacket: pale blue and white, Peggy Fortnum’s Paddington on the front; rear panel advertises “The Adventures of Frankie & Jessie” by Joan Simpson ✓ Price… The identification points above show each one.
- How much is a first edition, first impression of A Bear Called Paddington worth?
- $4,602–$6,226 unsigned, up to $9,258 signed, depending on condition and whether it is signed (values as of November 2026). Values come from recorded sales of this exact printing, not asking prices.
- Is a signed first edition, first impression of A Bear Called Paddington worth more?
- Yes. In near fine condition a copy signed by Michael Bond is valued at about $8,050, against $5,414 unsigned. A signature should be verified before you rely on that figure.
- Can I sell my copy of A Bear Called Paddington?
- Yes. We value the exact copy from recorded sales and make a firm cash offer, free and with no obligation to sell.
Selling a copy?
We value the exact copy from recorded sales and make a firm cash offer, free and with no obligation. Get an offer.