Kelmscott Press--Morris, William

folio, ONE OF 32 COPIES, wood-engraved border and two initials, unbound sheet comprising 2 pages, some light soiling and spotting

Peterson D1.9

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."

One of the Kelmscott Press 'Specimen Pages' which were, according to Peterson, "distributed to booksellers, customers and friends of the Press, or the publisher of the book in question". These two pages show the form in which Morris originally intended to print Sigurd the Volsung. A printed note at the foot of the final page notes "Incomplete sheet of Sigurd the Volsung. 32 copies printed at the Kelmscott Press on Jan. 11, 1897, before the distribution of the type. Not for sale." It is thought copies were issued on 22 January 1897. The finished book, in a different setting, was issued 25 February 1898 (see Peterson A50).