The Organization and Duties of Vatican Chamberlains and Guards, in Latin [Italy (Rome), after 1539]

226x165mm, vellum, i+73+i, complete, 22 lines, 150x97mm, with a half-page miniature of the Resurrection, a three-sided border with angels and Medici arms, two pages with panel borders and large illuminated initials, other pages with headings in display capitals, some smudging of rubrics, bound in 17th-century gilt brown calf, the upper joint slightly split

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."

provenance

(1) Written probably at the Vatican in script emulating printed books, between 1539 (f.50r) and the date of the binding, probably written for a papal chamberlain, whose duties were in the bedchamber, or a squire, who guarded it from the outside.

(2) Bookplate of Hartwell de la Garde Grissell (1839-1907), who served as Chamberlain to three successive popes.

text

Bull of Pope Leo X, concerning the duties of papal privy chamberlains and squires, issued in 1515, ending with the names of 23 cardinals as witnesses (f.2v); the ritual for appointing new squires under Leo X and his successors, with the form of oath (f.38v), the Gospel of John 1:1-14 (f.40r), and their responsibilities (f.41r); the articles, ordinances, and statutes of the chamberlains, issued by Paul III in 1539 (f.50r), including  the care of documents and books and the duty to catalogue them (f.53v); and the articles and conventions  designated by the squires and chamberlains for the office of Chaplain (f.56v).