LOT #82022 |
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Black Mask #2 May 1920 (Pro-Distribution) CGC VG- 3.5 Cream to off-white pages....
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Sold on Dec 4, 2025 for:
$6,600.00
Bid Source: HA.com/Live bidder
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Description
Black Mask #2 May 1920 (Pro-Distribution) CGC VG- 3.5 Cream to off-white pages. This is the earliest issue of Black Mask we've ever seen, and a sharp copy at that. Black Mask shifted genres over the years, ranging from mystery, romance, adventure, action, and even westerns at times, but the legendary title is remembered forever for introducing countless readers to hard-boiled detective fiction. The series would go on to feature the first work by Raymond Chandler and introduce many readers to Dashiell Hammett as well.From the earliest days, the logo featured its titular black domino mask and this issue's cover by William Grotz also includes a domino mask, one of the signature symbols of pulp detectives. This issue includes the story "The Seventh Step" by Greye La Spina.
All 1920s issues of Black Mask sell for a premium, but the second issue without any trimming or restoration will require some hard-boiled bidding. Bookery's notes early issues as "especially scarce", and we certainly agree. Bookery's Guide to Pulps Second Edition 2020 VG 4.0 value = $400. CGC census 10/25: 1 in 3.5, none higher. NOTE: The newly released Bookery's Guide to Pulps: Revised Third Edition 2025 VG 4.0 value for this issue is $750.
From the Dr. Richard Meli Collection.
CGC Grader Notes:
overhang chipping to cover
overhang tears to cover
overhang creasing to cover
creasing to cover
scuffing to cover
tape bottom of spine
detached cover
View the certification for CGC Certification ID 4618732022, including grader's notes if available and a link to the latest full census report for the issue.*
View population data for this issue and series on Fanalytics.*
*All information listed is intended to be as accurate as possible, but errors are possible. No item may be returned or refused based on this information, which is provided as a service to our clients. Feel free to contact each data source directly to determine the accuracy of this information.
Auction Info
2025 December 4 - 6 The Dr. Richard Meli Collection Pulps Signature® Auction #7444 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
December, 2025
4th-6th
Thursday-Saturday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 13
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 227
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
20% of the successful bid per lot.
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