Spencer, Thomas

Oblong folio (310 x 370mm.), 31 engraved plates (?only, of 34), each portrait surrounded by engraved text, no title, some early MS annotations at beginning, old half calf, some tears and repairs extending into text, first plate laid down; sold not subject to return

George Simon Harcourt, Earl Harcourt (1736-1809), armorial bookplate with cipher

Sparrow, p.77

Sold not subject to return
"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."

Rare eighteenth-century prints of race horses. W.S. Sparrow notes, in 1922, “rare, no doubt, because so many copies have been broken up in order that the prints might be sold one by one” (W.S. Sparrow, British Sporting Artists).