Mercator, Gerard.

first edition, 5 parts in one volume, folio (390 x 285mm.), engraved architectural title, engraved portrait of Mercator on the verso, 5 divisional titles, 107 engraved maps, all but one double-page, the titles, portraits and maps all coloured by a contemporary hand, some towns and cartouches highlighted in gold, later vellum, reguarded, title and several maps cropped at margins, some staining throughout at centre (affecting centre-folds), several maps misbound

Koeman II, Me 13; Shirley, British Library T.MER-2c; van der Krogt 1:011

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."

The first atlas to be so called. The first four parts had been published as separate fascicles  between 1585 and 1589. A  fifth and final part, Atlantis pars altera, was added in 1595, a year after Mercator's death,  overseen by his son Rumold with maps of the world and the continents. The complete atlas was dedicated to Queen Elizabeth. The whole was preceded by the famous engraved general title-page showing Atlas measuring the world with a pair of dividers. (Mercator refers to the mythical Atlas, King of Mauretania, a mathematician and philosopher who supposedly made the first celestial globe, not the Atlas whose punishment was to carry the world and heavens on his shoulders).