Ottoman Public Debt

Folio (390 x 295mm.), 241 stamps mounted on 33 leaves, and 6 divisional titles, the mounts and titles finely lithographed in colours and gold, contemporary Turkish red morocco gilt, upper cover stamped in gilt with presentation text in French surmounted by the tughra of Abdul Hamid II, the lower cover gilt stamped with an Ottoman emblematic device, flat spine gilt, gilt edges, extremities slightly rubbed

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."

Very rare. A magnificent volume of imperforate proofs of fiscal issue Ottoman stamps of 1875-1891, presented to a director of the Imperial Ottoman Bank, the different issues separated by lithographed calligraphic frontispieces, stamped in gilt on the upper cover: "A Monsieur L. La Fuente / directeur de la Banque Impériale Ottomane / membre du conseil d'adminstration / de la dette publique Ottomane / 1309-1893/94." This volume was presented by Sultan Abdul Hamid II to one of the bankers involved in the administration of the Public Debt.