Holbein, H.

4to, additional engraved title (for "Le Triomphe de la Mort", dated 1786), frontispiece portrait, forty-six engravings by D. Deuchar after Holbein, contemporary blue morocco gilt, covers tooled in gilt with a flower and ribbon border, anchors in the corners, upper cover with central ornament of Garter badge and collar, surmounted by a crown, larger anchor beneath, flanked by initials G.RIII, spine in six compartments, marbled endpapers, some slight spotting to some leaves, corners and edges of binding slightly rubbed, one or two plates possibly from another copy or edition

George III (d.1820), with his initials tooled beside the Garter; his third son, William Henry, Duke of Clarence (1765-1837), later King William IV, his bookplate; his eldest illigitimate son (by the actress Dora Bland) George Augustus Frederick FitzClarence (1794-1842), with his bookplates as Col. FitzClarence and the Earl of Munster

George Augustus FitzClarence served in the Peninsular War, was twice wounded, and eventually escaped after capture by the French. He became  brevet lieutenant-colonel in 1819 and served as A.D.C. to his father, King William IV,  from 1830 to 1837, becoming Earl of Munster in June 1831. He married Mary Wyndham, daughter of 3rd Earl Egremont, on 18 October 1891, and they had seven children.  He committed suicide in 1842 by shooting himself with a pistol presented to him by George IV when Prince of Wales. His Journal of a Route across India, through Egypt, to England was published in 1819 with hand-coloured plates.

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, when 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."

The plates together with the descriptions by Mechel were first published in Edinburgh in 1788. There was also another issue in 1803 printed by S. Goenell.

with a distinguished and fascinating royal provenance.