- 158
Hevelius, Johannes
Estimate
15,000 - 20,000 GBP
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Description
- Hevelius, Johannes
- Machinae coelestis pars prior; organographiam, sive instrumentorum astronomicorum omnium, quibus auctor hactenus sidera rimatus, ac dimensus est, accuratam delineationem et descriptionem... Gdansk: Simon Reiniger for the author, 1673
- Paper
folio (333 x 230mm.), half-title, engraved frontispiece, engraved illustration, 29 engraved plates (5 folding) numbered A-EE (including letter W and T*), engraved and woodcut initials, head- and tailpieces, contemporary vellum with blind fillets and arabesque centrepiece, frontispiece repaired at foot (just touching image), last couple of plates shaved at foot
Provenance
"Cat V1 P331 CS Sledmere", inscription on inside front cover, i.e. Sir Christopher Sykes (1749-1801) of Sledmere House
Literature
Dibner 10; Norman 1068; VD17 39:125131V (volume 1 only); cf. BL STC German XVIIc. H1030 (all 3 parts)
Condition
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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
This is the first of three volumes of descriptions of the construction of astronomical instruments for Hevelius's observatory, such as telescopes, sextants and quadrants, and the elegant engravings also show the pulleys and ropes needed to move the larger instruments. The majority of copies of the later volumes were destroyed in the fire at Hevelius's house in September 1679; fewer than fifteen complete copies are thought to have survived.