Hi Dana,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
McLoughlin Brothers was among the leading publishers of color-illustrated children’s books in the U.S. in the 19th century. Their work reflects the evolving technologies of color printing, chromolithography, and production for mass (or semi-mass) children’s trade books.
Their Sunshine Series was a line of children’s picture books McLoughlin Brothers produced; one version of Cinderella was published in 1893 in this series and is based on Charles Perrault’s tale. This particular 1893 edition is typically a small softcover (or wrapper-bound) book, with pictorial wrappers (i.e. illustrated front and back covers). It is illustrated using chromolithography (i.e. color printing with multiple stones/plates).

In surviving copies, you often see 4 full-page chromolithographs (including covers) plus a double-page chromolithograph. The total page count is very short — something like 12 pages in some known copies. Because of its small size, delicate construction (paper wrappers, color plates), and age, many copies that survive will be in fragile condition.

I've found a fairly clean copy online for sale for $100, which would be considered a retail value; the fair market value would be less, between $30 and $50.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

CINDERELLA
Published by McLaughlin Bros, New York City, 1893
hand sewn spine
9 by 6-1/2 inches
CONDITION: with some tears and water stains.
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$30-50*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia