Fries, Bengt Fredrik, and others..

First edition, 10 original parts bound in one volume, 4to (292 x 244mm.), upper wrapper to part one bound as title, 63 plates (60 lithographed by Wilhelm von Wright, 59 of these hand-coloured, 3 uncoloured engraved plates at the end lettered A-C), later green morocco gilt by Hedberg of Stockholm, with fish motif cornerpieces, original yellow, orange or light blue paper wrappers bound in, slipcase, [Nissen SFB 56; Nissen ZBI 1435], bookplate of Emil H. Küsel, occasional spotting, text leaf with repaired tear

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."

A rare work on the fish of Scandinavia: one other copy listed as having sold at auction in the past thirty years. The work is notable for its series of fine hand-coloured lithographs, the work of Wilhelm von Wright (1810-1887). He was a Finnish-born natural history painter, illustrator and lithographer of rare talent. The middle of three brothers who made their living as painters, illustrators or naturalists, he moved to Stockholm in 1828 to assist his eldest brother Magnus with his work Svenska Foglar. The publication of the present work began in 1836 and was completed with the help of his younger brother Ferdinand in 1857. One of the great early works on the ichthyology of northern Europe, it was issued in ten parts (including the supplement) with the plates either uncoloured or finely hand-coloured (as here).