To a family historian, finding a lost family bible on ebay is like the having the dog tap into an oil reserve in the backyard while digging for a buried bone.  Are you getting the most out of your ebay listing?  The photos you posted of the beautiful, rare 1892 bible show the exquisite detail of the silver clasps and worn leather.  You took quality, close up pictures of the hand-written birth announcements and marriage certificate.  Why aren't there more bids?

If sellers of family bibles want to attract more bidders, they should include the following in their ebay description.                                  

• Surnames of everyone listed - Be sure to include any name variants in the bible.  For instance, my family used "McCammon" and "McCameron" interchangeably.
• Any location listed - If at all possible, take the time to find the county name if only a city is listed.  Many vital records, particularly marriage, are recorded in the county.
• Range of dates for each heading (i.e.: Births, Deaths, Marriages, etc.)
• Where the bible was acquired - If you found the bible at an estate sale, it would be fabulous to be able to tell the genealogist where they could find additional lost treasures.  If nothing else, the location of your purchase will provide a much appreciated clue.  Trust me, we'll take what we can get!  Furthermore, if a seller were to list a McCammon Family Bible purchased in Thayer, Oregon Co., Missouri, I could be 99% sure that my ancestors previously owned that bible.
• Index to any photographs - A record of dates and names and I get photos, too?!  Sold!
• Any other documentation that could be helpful to a family historian - Newspaper clippings, a wedding invitation, a church name, a cemetery record, or a lock of hair...we want it all.

Include as much information in the title of the listing as possible.  As of the time of writing this guide, a search for "family bible" reveals 84 items up for bid.  Even the most dedicated and thorough family historian will grow weary of clicking through the listings.

As the saying goes:  If you've got it, why not flaunt it? 

As a courtesy to nonwinning bidders, sellers could offer a photocopy of the vital records for an acceptable fee.  Don't forget to copy the title and copyright pages.  The photocopies could also be donated to a library or genealogical society.  Likewise, the winning bidder would be providing a great service to fellow family historians by listing the newly discovered bible records on a genealogy message board.

In the event that the bible does not sell, please consider donating it to a library or genealogical society.  A quick search of the internet will help locate repositories in your area.

Michelle Roux - April 10, 2006

Read my blog and other guides for more tips, resources, and items I stumble across during my own research.  If you have a suggestion or comment for my guides, please post it on my blog.  I am always pleased with feedback!

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