Williamson, George C.

The History of Portrait Miniatures. London: [Chiswick Press for] George Bell & Sons, 1904



2 volumes, folio (15 1/2 x 11 3/4 in.; 394 x 298 mm). 35 hand-colored plates and 104 full-page reproductions in collotype with captioned tissue guards, title printed in red and black.

Mathew Chaloner Durfee Borden (bookplate, sale, American Art Association, February 17, 1913, lot 832) — Albert Henry Wiggin (bookplate) — Lynde Selden (2 bookplates)

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.

A magnificent Cosway binding with 68 portrait miniatures painted on ivory, probably by C. B. Currie, with 34 set into the covers of each volume. Edition-de-luxe limited to 50 copies of which this is no. 18. Red levant morocco, double-fillet border and a similar strapwork pattern encircling the miniatures on a dense field of gilt-stamped leaves and tiny gold dots, gilt-ruled turn-ins, turquoise silk doublures and endleaves, top edge gilt, by Rivière & Son, in brown morocco slipcases.