Audubon, John James

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



3 volumes, in 8s (10 1/4 x 6 1/2 in.; 260 x 170 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); lacking half-titles, light toning to text, chiefly in vol. 1, occasional text offsetting to verso of plates, not affecting images. Publisher's deluxe dark blue morocco paneled gilt, covers gilt-stamped with animal emblems derived from Plate I (American Wildcat) in the center and Plates XXXI (Collared Peccary), VI (American Cross Fox), XLII (Common American Skunk), and II (Maryland Marmot Woodchuck Groundhog) used as cornerpieces, dentelles richly gilt, yellow-coated endpapers, spines in 6 compartments with raised bands lettered and decorated in gilt, edges gilt; endpapers rubbed, upper joint of vol. 3 rubbed.

William B. Hoffman (receipt from publisher)

Bennett 5; Nissen, ZBI 163; Reese, American Color Plate Books 38; Sabin 2368

3 volumes, in 8s (10 1/4 x 6 1/2 in.; 260 x 170 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. Laawrence; remaining plates printed and colored by J. t. Bowen, Philadelphia); lacking half-titles, light toning to text, chiefly in vol. 1, occasional text offsetting to verso of plates, not affecting images. Publisher's deluxe dark blue morocco paneled gilt, covers gilt-stamped with animal emblems derived from Plate I (American Wildcat) in the center and Plates XXXI (Collared Peccary), VI (American Cross Fox), XLII (Common American Skunk), and II (Maryland Marmot Woodchuck Groundhog) used as cornerpieces, dentelles richly gilt, yellow-coated endpapers, spines in 6 compartments with raised bands lettered and decorated in gilt, edges gilt; endpapers rubbed upper joint of vol. 3 rubbed.
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 fine set of The Quadrupeds in a striking and unusual publisher's morocco binding that utilizes emblems derived from five of the plates: Plates I (American Wildcat); XXXI (Collared Peccary); VI (American Cross Fox); XLII (Common American Skunk);  II (Maryland Marmot Woodchuck Groundhog). Loosely laid in volume 1 is a receipt for payment for issue 11, dated New York, 2 June 1851 and addressed to William B. Hoffman, who was most likely the original subscriber.