Handel, George Frideric

FIRST EDITION, folio (c.32 x 24cms), engraved throughout, except printed  privilege (1739), contemporary manuscript pagination 9-38 (top corner), eighteenth-century marbled boards ("N^o.1"), early paper spine-reinforcement, original stitching, issued without general title (the second title adapted in its place), binding broken with front cover loose, slight chipping to margins, light browning, ownership inscription to title [Smith no.1; Hoboken, v 106; RISM H 830]

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."

In Smith's opinion, "it is not clear whether the general titlepage to the whole work...was first issued with the third collection or whether the first part without the overture had a separate titlepage as advertised "Songs in the Oratorio" etc...The earliest copies of the first part, besides only having bottom pagination, have less bass figuring than the later issues, e.g. p.30 having no figuration [as here]; p.15 very little figuring...&c".  W.C. Smith, Handel. A Descriptive Catalogue of the Early Editions, (1960), p.135.