Potter, Beatrix.

The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin. 1903, 16mo, first edition, second or third printing, presentation copy inscribed by the author ("For Carrie Halpin | with love from | Beatrix Potter | Christmas 1903"), 27 coloured plates, original grey boards, illustrated endpapers, frontispiece loose, spine replaced by black tape; The Tale of Mr Tod. 1912, 16mo, first edition, first or second printing, presentation copy inscribed by the dedicatee ("Richard Halpin | from | William Francis of Ulva... | whose name has been reversed in this edition"), 15 coloured plates and numerous black and white illustrations, original buff boards, illustrated endpapers, frontispiece re-inserted between pp.52-53, some abrasions, loss of spine and adhesive tape repairs; The Tale of Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle. 1905, 16mo, first edition, first or second printing, 27 coloured plates, original green boards, illustrated endpapers, presentation inscription, spine replaced by black tape, adhesive tape to hinges, loss to front free endpaper; The Pie and the Patty-Pan. 1905, small 4to, first edition, first printing, 10 coloured plates and numerous black and white illustrations, original lavender boards, lavender endpapers, presentation inscription, loss to head of spine, tears to foot of spine; The Tale of Mr. Jeremy Fisher. 1906, 16mo, first edition, first or second printing, 27 coloured plates, original red boards, illustrated endpapers, frontispiece loose, tear and loss to one plate, upper hinge split, spine replaced by black tape; Ginger & Pickles. 1909, small 4to, first edition, first or second printing, 10 coloured plates and numerous black and white illustrations, original buff boards, illustrated endpapers; all with pictorial labels on upper cover, some soiling or juvenile pencil scribbles in pencil, contents shaken, some splitting at gutters, bindings worn (6)

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."

Francis William of Ulva was born to Beatrix Potter's cousin in 1912. The inscription in The Tale of Mr Tod to Richard Halpin, if contemporary, is therefore in the hand of an adult.