Sefer Mekhilta (Halakhic Midrash on Exodus), Constantinople: Astruc de Toulon, 1515

42 leaves (10 3/8 x 8 in.; 264 x 203 mm). Title mended, soiled and stained, owners' notes on title, waterstain in upper outer portion throughout, a few spots, gutter margin of last two quires mended. Seventeenth-century sheep blind-tooled in a panel design; rebacked, edges renewed but worn, covers scuffed and wormed.

Israelitische Cultus-Gemeinde, Prague—their stamp on front endpaper and title

Vinograd, Constantinople 60; Yaari, Constantinople 41; Mehlman 136

42 leaves(10 3/8 x 8 in.; 264 x 203 mm). Title mended, soiled and stained, owners' notes on title, waterstain in upper outer portion throughout, a few spots, gutter margin of last two quires mended. Seventeenth-century sheep blind-tooled in a panel design; rebacked, edges renewed but worn, covers scuffed and wormed.
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.

The Mekhilta is among the oldest midrashic texts. Attributed to the school of the second century tanna, the work is frequently referred to as Mekhilta of Rabbi Ishmael.  As a tannaitic Midrash, it represents the teachings of the sages from the period of the Mishnah, although its final compilation dates to the time of the amoraim (talmudic sages) and the appelation Mekhilta is not mentioned in the Talmud, that name first appearing at the time of the geonim. In addition to the numerous statements cited in Rabbi Ishmael's name or those of his students, the Mekhilta employs the hermeneutical rules set forth by him. This is in contrast to the other halakhic Midrashim, on Leviticus, and Deuteronomy, which are ascribed to the school of Rabbi Akiva. These latter works more often name sages from that school and employ a different terminology.

The printer, Astruc ben Jacob de Toulon, had earlier worked for the Nahmias press in Constantinople. From 1513 onward, he printed on his own account, initially with Samuel Rikomin and afterwards independently, continuing to print intermittently until 1530.