Muhammad ibn ‘Abd al-Rahman Khatib al-Dimashqi al-Qazwini, Talkhis al-miftah, a summary of Part III of Al-Sakkaki's (d.1228-29 AD) Miftah al-ulum, on rhetoric, copied by Sharaf al-Samarqandi al-'Arabi, Jazira, Western Persia or Anatolia, dated 733 AH/1332-33 AD or 738 AH/1337-38 AD

Arabic manuscript on paper, 70 leaves, plus 4 fly-leaves, 12 lines to the page, written in naskh script in black ink, keywords in red, copious marginal notes and ownership seal impressions on the first fly-leaves, in later dark grey leather binding, with flap

In reasonably good condition, the margins cropped and dense with annotations in black ink, the first two fly-leaves with annotations and ownership seal impressions, various minor stains and occasional holes, not wider than 0.5cm. and occasional repairs to some leaf edges or the spine, the lower part of the last page restored, but this area does not reach the area of the colophon, which is affected only by creases and little rubbing of the ink, as viewed.
"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."

This is probably the earliest recorded copy of al-Qazwini's Talkhis al-miftah as it was written during the end of his lifetime. Seven copies of this work are recorded, the earliest dated 1022 AH/1613-14 AD and now in the British Library (P. Stocks and C. Baker (ed.), 2001, p.295, K.3). Another copy of this work, dated 958 AH/18 July 1551 AD, is in the Chester Beatty Library (Arberry 1962, p.146, no.4451). See also Brockelmann: GAL, I. 295; suppl. I. 516.