[Ashbee, Charles R.]--[Catterson-Smith, Robert]

1-2) "For the form and manner of making, ordaining and consecrating of Bishops...", two ink drawings with minor gouache corrections for double-page illustration pp. [350-51], both 236 by 180mm. on single sheet of squared paper, one signed "A" and the other "CRA", notes in margin, some browning and soiling, tears to edges, not affecting images; 3) Unidentified design showing clergy with banners, pencil drawing, 95 by 184mm. on squared paper, unsigned, notes in margin, some soiling, tears to edges, not affecting image; 4) "Te Deum laudamus", pencil drawing, 130 by 185mm. on squared paper, unsigned, notes in margin, some soiling; 5) photograph of item 3, some soiling (4 sheets)

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."

The Book of Common Prayer, published by the Essex House Press in 1903, is also known as The Prayer Book of King Edward VII and was the most ambitious and successful of Ashbee's private press books. The double-page illustration on pp. [350-51] is described by Ashbee as "Augustine coming from Rome meets the seven British Bishops under the oak tree" and as being a subject sourced from Bede (see Ashbee, A Key to the Principal Decorations in the Prayer Book of King Edward VII, 1904).

The colophon for the book notes that "R. Catterson-Smith assisted in the preparation of some of the blocks". The published illustration on page [350] reveals considerable differences from the original drawing including a cross in the tree's trunk structure ("a symbolical shape in tree" is detailed in the margin notes).