Over 500-Year-Old Gutenberg Bible 'Companion' Book Turns up in Utah

Book appraiser Ken Sanders is used to having to tell people what they think is a rare find is no more than a sentimental treasure. Not so last week, when a tiny fundraiser turned up an extraordinary find over 500 years old.

"Usually at these kind of things you are mostly being polite to people and disappointing them," Sanders told KTSU-TV. "A gentleman walked in and said I've got a really important book here and I'm sitting there rolling my eyes and thinking, 'yeah, sure you do.' And then he opens it up and it's a Nuremberg Chronicle from 1494."

According to KTSU, the Nuremberg Chronicle is about as old as Gutenberg's Bible. It was actually created to be an illustrated companion to that Bible, and is one of the oldest books ever printed:

"Outside of museums I've never seen one before in my life and I most assuredly didn't expect to find this book in Sandy, Utah today," Sanders said.

The book's owner, who wants to remain anonymous, said he wants to sell the book to a museum so others can enjoy it.

According to Sanders, the book is worth over $100,000.

(H/T: CNN)*

*CNN labeled the book as 600 years old. We have changed our story to reflect that the book is closer to 500 years old.