Collection of leaves from two Lection-books, in Latin and German, from decorated manuscripts on vellum

4 leaves (2 bifolia), including: (a) a bifolium (313mm. by 213mm.) from a Lection-book in German with readings from 1 Corinthians 13:11, 2 Corinthians 6:1, Matthew 4:1 with short Latin incipits, written space 225mm. by 140mm., double column, 32 lines in brown ink in a fine early Gothic bookhand, rubrics in red, three 4-line initials in red with some simple decorative penwork, damage to gutter on inner side of bifolium with some loss of text from adjacent columns, else in good condition, Germany, first half of thirteenth century; (b) bifolium (355mm. by 200-235mm.) from a Lection-book in German: note rubrics "Von Daniel dem vater" and "Von Amon dem guten vater", written space 250mm. by 150mm. double column, 32 lines of dark brown script (now much water-damaged and faded but text on outer pages visible in normal light), rubrics in red, initials touched in red, remains of four 3-line initials in red or blue with contrasting penwork, in defective condition, Germany, first half of the fourteenth century; both recovered from bindings and somewhat defective

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing where appropriate.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Manuscripts in German from the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries are incredibly rare: F. Avril and C. Rabel, in their survey of 164 German manuscripts in the Bibliothèque nationale de France (Manuscrits enluminés d'origine germanique, 1995) list only four (their nos. 148-9, 158 and 141), and the earliest of these, a fragment of Rudolf von Ems Weltchronik and a Marieleben written by one 'Bruder Philipp', date to the beginning of the fourteenth century (see Avril & C. Rabel, nos. 148 and 141, pls. cxxxvi).