Two leaves from a Breviary, Cistercian Use, in Latin [France, Picardy (perhaps Amiens), c.1290s]

2 leaves, 159×103mm, vellum, 2 columns, 25 lines, 108×71mm, paginated consecutively 51-54 but not consecutive, with parts of the feasts of Sts Michael and Jerome (29 and 30 September), and Catherine (25 November), 9 illuminated initials, including one enclosing a human head, another with a bird perched on top it, margins slightly stained, one with small hole in outer margin, overall in good condition

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."

Leaves from this very attractive Breviary have appeared on the market since at least as early as 1995: Maggs, Bulletin, 20, nos.42-43; another was Maggs, Cat.1262, 1998, no.13; two more were sold in our rooms on 19 June (lot 10) and 6 December (lot 2), 2001, two on 6 December 2005, lot 10, six on 29 June 2007, lot 4, and most recently 3 December 2013, lot 13. A substantial part of the parent volume consisting of 128 leaves, very imperfect and bound out of order, was sold in our rooms, 5 July 2005, lot 90, and from this it was possible to determine that the book was Cistercian, and had an office of 12 lessons for St Firminus, which suggests a possible origin in the area of Amiens. Inscriptions in 18th- and 19th-century hands suggest that by that time it was at Vouvray, east of Tours in the Loire valley.