Classics Illustrated: Tom Brown's School Days #No. 45
Gilberton Company, Inc. • Classics Illustrated
Writer
Thomas Hughes (Original Author), Samuel Willinsky (Adapter)
Interior Artist
Henry C. Kiefer
Cover Artist
Henry C. Kiefer
Publication Date
March 1948
Cover Variant
Regular
Printing
First Printing (Original 10-cent cover price with no list of other titles on the front cover)
Comic Description
An adaptation of Thomas Hughes' 1857 novel detailing the life of Tom Brown at Rugby School. It explores themes of bullying, social hierarchy, and the development of character in the British public school system.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good (CGC 4.0)
Condition Details
Visible edge wear and small tears on the right side; minor spine stress with color breaking; corner rounding; small retail price sticker in the top right corner; slight cover dullness/oxidation typical of Golden Age paper.
Estimated Market Value
Raw (Ungraded): $15 - $35 | Graded (CGC 4.0): $50 - $80
Recent Sales
Copies in mid-grade (VG to FN) typically sell between $20 and $45 on secondary markets like eBay. Higher grade 1st printings command a significant premium.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading unless for sentimental reasons. The cost of CGC/CBCS grading would likely exceed the market value of the book in this condition. A simple Mylar bag and board are sufficient for preservation.
Notable Features
First Printing; 10-cent original cover price; classic line-drawn cover art by Henry C. Kiefer; part of the early run of the influential Classics Illustrated series.
Authentication Notes
The 10-cent price point and lack of an extensive reorder list on the front or back covers are indicators of an original 1948 first printing versus the numerous later reprints (which often had higher prices like 15c or 25c).