Martini, Friedrich Heinrich Wilhelm, and Johann Hieronymus Chemnitz

12 volumes, 4to (284 x 220mm.), 2 hand-coloured engraved additional titles, 2 uncoloured engraved portraits, 432 hand-coloured engraved plates on 431 sheets, 1 folding, engraved vignettes, headpieces and illustrations, some hand-coloured, one mounted, some printed in red, contemporary calf gilt (volumes 1-11, with volume 12 bound to match), [Dance, Shells 190; Nissen ZBI 2722 (incorrect plate count)], early armorial bookplate of J.M. de Reck, some browning, more pronounced on text than plates

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 complete set of the first edition of this beautiful shell book, with examples from many great collections, including specimens gathered during Cook's voyages, and others from the museum of Frederic V of Denmark, and the collection of Count A.G. Molke, who had some of the finest shells in Europe, including many from the famous Seba collection. Many of the plates are heightened in varnish, which mimics the reflective surface of mother of pearl. The set includes the final, rare twelfth volume published in 1829. Only ten volumes were planned, indeed, the title of volume 10 reads “zehnter and letzter Band”.