First edition, first printing, signed directly by J.K. Rowling in blue ink on the title page. The book features Rowling’s first hologram sticker, dated 21/07/07, affixed to the top-right corner of the same page.
This copy was awarded as the grand prize in a children’s art competition celebrating the reopening of Victoria Park in Aberfeldy, Scotland, in 2007. J.K. Rowling, who owns a holiday home at Killechassie near Aberfeldy, was originally scheduled to attend the event. Due to a change in dates, she was unable to be present, and this signed book was given as a prize instead. The winner, a six-year-old boy from Rowling’s hometown of Edinburgh, carefully preserved the book for the next 18 years.
Flat-signed copies of this title are exceptionally rare. Nearly all signed first editions of Deathly Hallows bear a personal inscription, as they were signed during the Moonlight Signing at the Natural History Museum on July 21, 2007, where 1,700 fans received dedicated copies. Flat-signed editions were only donated by Rowling in very small numbers, primarily for charitable causes, making this an exceptional find.
This unread and (except by Rowling) unopened book is in fine or nearly pristine condition, with only a minor push to the lower spine end. The unfaded dust jacket is also in fine condition. The book is housed in a custom-made half-leather clamshell box.
Accompanying the book is a letter from the original recipient detailing its history, along with a Letter of Authenticity by Adam Houston, the world’s leading expert on J.K. Rowling’s signature. A collector’s card containing further details is also included. Additional digital records related to the event include a letter from the event organizers to J.K. Rowling, minutes from a follow-up meeting, an event poster, a photograph of the recipient at the event, a photograph of the recipient with his prize-winning artwork and signed book, a press release reporting on the event, a thank-you letter to J.K. Rowling, and a recent confirmation message from one of the event organizers.
A rare opportunity to acquire a highly desirable flat-signed first edition of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, supported by an extensive provenance package.
