Lincoln, Edwin Hale

Orchids of the North Eastern United States, Photographed from Nature.  Pittsfield, Massachusetts: published by the author, 1931



2 volumes, sheets mounted on guards (14 x 11 in.; 355 x 279 mm).  Both volumes with printed title, foreword, list of genera and list of scientific and common names, 84 very fine platinum print photographs (each approx. 9  1/2  x 7  1/2  in.; 241 x 190 mm) mounted on white handmade paper (10  1/2  x 8  1/4  in.; 267 x 210 mm) in turn mounted on stiff gray sheets with printed calligraphic captions.  Half red morocco gilt by Harcourt Bindery, spine gilt in six compartments, red buckram sides, front covers gilt-lettered; spines trifle faded, some wear and scuffing, MHS label on front pastedowns.

Acquired by the MHS from the author, 7 November 1931

Orchids of the North Eastern United States, Photographed from Nature. Pittsfield, Massachusetts: published by the author, 1931 2 volumes, sheets mounted on guards (14 x 11 in.; 355 x 279 mm). Both volumes with printed title, foreword, list of genera and list of scientific and common names, 84 very fine platinum print photographs (each approx. 9 1/2 x 7 1/2 in.; 241 x 190 mm) mounted on white handmade paper (10 1/2 x 8 1/4 in.; 267 x 210 mm) in turn mounted on stiff gray sheets with printed calligraphic captions. Half red morocco gilt by Harcourt Bindery, spine gilt in six compartments, red buckram sides, front covers gilt-lettered; spines trifle faded, some wear and scuffing, MHS label on front pastedowns.
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.

Edwin Hale Lincoln's superb and extremely rare collection of platinum print photographs of orchids of the eastern United States.  In his foreward to the first volume, the photographer writes, "This series of plates includes one life-size print on platinum paper of every orchid known to grow in the United States east of the Mississippi River and north of the parallel of Washington .... In the beauty and strangesness of the orchid lies its tragedy as a wild flower, and the rarer the species the greater its danger of ultimate extermination.  One purpose only has been considered in compiling these plates, — to preserve in permanent form a perfect record of a native botanical family which is the victim of its own loveliness, and is already but a name to many who dwell beside its former haunts."

Scarce. Not seen at auction for thirty years. The last set available was sold in our rooms 8 November 1978 (lot 310).