Blount, Sir Thomas

8vo (6 3/4 x 4 in.; 172 x 102 mm). Title-page printed in red and black, folding engraved frontispiece portrait of Charles II, folding engraved portrait of Boscobel and its environs by W. Hollar, engraved heraldic plate by Robert Vaughan, B1—2 cancelled; portrait and folding-plate repaired and defective, marginal worm trail in quire D touching text in last line of D3. Contemporary black morocco, the covers with double-fillet border and large central gilt cipher with a kingly crown above and the motto "Dieu et Mon Droit" in a banderole below, board edges dotted in gilt, smooth spine gilt, red morocco lettering piece, edges gilt; joints slightly rubbed, ties perished. Red morocco solander case, by Riviere & Son.

Elizabeth Folkes (inscription at foot of title-page "Given by my Godmother Mrs. March" and armorial bookplate on front pastedown) — Henry Edward Bunbury (armorial bookplate on front free endpaper) — Mortimer L. Schiff (red morocco label; sale, Sotheby's, 23 March 1938, lot 30) — J.R. Abbey (dark blue morocco label and acquisition note "J.A. 1685/23:3:1938"; sale, Sotheby's, 21 June 1965, lot 153) — H. Bradley Martin (sale, Sotheby's New York, 14 June 1990, lot 3374. acquisition: Purchased at foregoing sale through Bernard Quaritch

Wing B3329; ESTC R6431; Grolier, Wither to Prior 46; Hobson, English Bindings in the Library of J.R. Abbey 30

8vo (6 3/4 x 4 in.; 172 x 102 mm). Title-page printed in red and black, folding engraved frontispiece portrait of Charles II, folding engraved portrait of Boscobel and its environs by W. Hollar, engraved heraldic plate by Robert Vaughan, B1—2 cancelled; portrait and folding plate repaired and defective, marginal worm trail in quire D touching text in last line of D3. Contemporary black morocco, the covers with double-fillet border and large central gilt cipher with a kingly crown above and the motto "Dieu et Mon Droit" in a banderole below, board edges dotted in gilt, smooth spine gilt, red morocco lettering piece, edges gilt; joints slightly rubbed, ties perished. Red morocco solander case by Riviere & Son.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

First edition, King Charles II's copy, with his bold cipher emblazoned on both covers. A very rare royal ownership mark, known on fewer than five other books. "Possibly royal bindings of this type were among the first to be executed after the Restoration" (Hobson).