Classics Illustrated: Men Against the Sea #No. 103
Gilberton Company, Inc. • Classics Illustrated (Original Run)
Writer
Charles Nordhoff and James Norman Hall (Original Authors)
Interior Artist
Alex Blum
Cover Artist
Alex Blum
Publication Date
January 1953
Cover Variant
Regular Edition (15-cent cover price)
Printing
First Printing (Original Gilberton Publication)
Comic Description
An adaptation of the 1934 adventure novel. It follows Captain Bligh and 18 loyal crew members cast adrift in a launch following the Mutiny on the Bounty, chronicling their 3,600-mile journey to safety.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good (CGC 4.0)
Condition Details
Heavy rounding/blunting on corners; visible spine stress and micro-tearing at staples; significant handwritten date in ink on bottom right cover; general edge wear and minor color loss; yellowing due to age.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $10.00 - $20.00; Graded (CGC 4.0): $45.00 - $60.00
Recent Sales
Recent eBay sales for mid-grade raw copies of #103 range from $12 to $25. Higher grade (VF/NM) copies can fetch $100+, but this copy shows significant wear.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The handwritten ink date on the front cover is a significant 'defacement' that would lower the numeric grade, making the cost of grading exceed the market value of the book.
Notable Features
First appearance of this adaptation; 15-cent price variant; contains the 'Coming Next' ad for issue #104. Notable for the 'Jan 1953' arrival date written in marker on the bottom right.
Authentication Notes
Authentic original Gilberton printing. Paper stock shows correct age-appropriate tanning. The '15c' price box and yellow masthead are consistent with late Golden Age Gilberton production.