Ansel Adams

(San Francisco: Jean Chambers Moore, 1927, an edition of 150), the complete portfolio of 18 photographs, each with the letterpress title in the margin, in individual letterpress title wrappers, 1920s, printed in 1927; together with the letterpress title, colophon, dedication to Albert M. Bender, and plate list. Small folio, gilt-lettered black cloth portfolio with gold silk lining, a green leather book-plate from the collection of Joseph McInerney, one of a projected edition of 150 of which approximately 75 sets were completed

These luminous photographs exhibit all of the rich tonality and exceptional detail characteristic of well-preserved 'Parmelian' prints. The highlights remain bright and creamy, and the darkest areas are deep charcoal black. The prints are in generally excellent condition. On some of the plates are the following: faint silvering in the darkest areas of the image, mostly near the edges; occasional small creases; and scattered deposits of original retouching. The margin edges are curled, and some are mildly rippled. The plates and dimensions are as follows: Sierra Junipers 5 3/4 by 7 3/4 in. The Abode of Snow  5 3/4 by 7 3/4 in. Monolith, The Face of Half Dome 8 by 6 in.  From Glacier Point 6 by 8 in. On the Heights 6 by 8 in. A Grove of Tamarack Pine 5 3/4 by 7 5/8 in. Mount Galen Clark 8 by 6 in.  Mount Clarence King 8 by 6 in.: There is a sharp 6-1/4-inch crease in the margin across the upper left corner. This does not affect the image in any way.  Roaring River Falls 8 by 6 in. Marion Lake 5 3/4 by 7 3/4 in.: This print is very slightly warmer in tonality than the others. El Capitan  7 1/4 by 5 3/4 in. Banner Peak, Thousand Island Lake 6 by 8 in.  Mount Brewer  5 3/4 by 7 3/4 in. Kearsarge Pinnacles 6 by 7 3/4 in. The Sentinel 5 3/4 by 7 3/4 in. Lower Paradise Valley 6 by 8 in.  East Vidette 5 3/4 by 7 3/4 in. Cloud and Mountain 5 3/4 by 7 3/4 in. The letterpress wrappers and front matter are generally clean. Some of the wrappers are slightly age-darkened, and/or exhibit offsetting from the prints on the interior. The black cloth portfolio is worn at the extremities and the spine is mostly separated from the covers on both sides except at the upper left edge. There is some faint staining to the front cover.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.