Audubon, John James and John Bachman

The Quadrupeds of North America. New York: V. G. Audubon, 1849–51–54



3 volumes, in 8s (10 1/4 x 6 3/4; 260 x 172 mm). 155 fine handcolored lithographed plates by W. E. Hitchcock and R. Trembly after J. J. and J. W. Audubon (plates 1–31 printed by Nagel & Weingartner, New York and colored by J. Lawrence; remaining plates printed and colored by J. T. Bowen, Philadelphia);  no half-title in vol. 2, light toning to text throughout, strongest in vol. 1, marginal staining to plates 11 and 60 and to p. 1:140, text offset to plate 4, light offsetting of approximately 33 plates to text. Contemporary half brown morocco over marbled boards, spines gilt, yellow-coated endpapers, edges gilt; spines dry and cracked, joints rubbed, hinges strengthened, head of spine of vol. 1 expertly restored.

Guy Carleton Mayley (armorial bookplate) — P.G.P. & F. T. P. (bookplate with motto "Lege et ratione")

Bennett 5; Nissen ZBI 163; cf. Reese American Color Plate Books 38

3 volumes, in 8s (10 1/4 x 6 3/4; 260 x 172 mm). 155 fine handcolored lithographed plates by W. E. Hitchcock and R. Trembly after J. J. and J. W. Audubon (plates 1–31 printed by Nagel & Weingartner, New York and colored by J. Lawrence; remaining plates printed and colored by J. T. Bowen, Philadelphia); no half-title in vol. 2, light toning to text throughout, strongest in vol. 1, marginal staining to plates 11 and 60 and to p. 1:140, text offset to plate 4, light offsetting of approximately 33 plates to text. Contemporary half brown morocco over marbled boards, spines gilt, yellow-coated endpapers, edges gilt; spines dry and cracked, joints rubbed, hinges strengthened, head of spine of vol. 1 expertly restored.
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.

First octavo edition, containing one hundred and fifty plates from the 1845–1848 folio edition of The Viviparous Quadrupeds of America and five of the plates from the rare 1854 supplement of that work.