Collins, Wilkie

The Dead Secret. Bradbury and Evans, 1857, first book edition, 2 volumes, advertisements on pale yellow endpapers (for Charles Lever's Works), W.H. Smith & Son Circulating Library blind-stamps, original brown sand-grain cloth blocked in black on the covers and spines gilt, [Sadleir 590 (in the grey-purple morocco cloth); Wolff 1349 (in green bead-grain cloth)], recased with repairs to hinges, upper hinge of volume 2 splitting, some edge-wear; The Haunted Hotel. A Mystery of Modern Venice. To which is added My Lady's Money...six illustrations by Arthur Hopkins. Chatto & Windus, 1879 [actually 1878], 2 volumes, first English edition of the two stories together, advertisements at the end of volume 1, original brown cloth lettered in gilt and decorated in white, dark blue endpapers, [Wolff 1355; not in Sadleir], some repairs to hinges and joints, binding of volume 2 cockled, spotting to text; 8vo (6)

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, when 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."

According to Wolff Parrish records copies of The Dead Secret in green ripple-grain cloth as well as the present binding of sand-grain cloth. The Wolff and Sadleir copies are in other bindings again, as recorded above.