Lot 78
  • 78

An Italian silver book binding, circa 1840

Estimate
6,000 - 9,000 USD
bidding is closed

Description

  • marked on clasp with maker's mark RA and ? tree 
  • silver, paper
  • length 7 in.
  • 17.8 cm
embossed and chased with putti within scrollwork, one cover with putti flanking a coat of arms with pendant elephant, fitted with Hebrew/Latin dictionary in order of the Bible, printed in Halle-am-Saxe, 1707, with book plate of J.R. Abbey

Condition

Minor repairs to silver, book separated from spine
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.

Catalogue Note

Major J.R. Abbey (1894-1969) was a brewer who served in World Wars I and II and was appointed High Sheriff of Sussex from 1949-50. He assembled a 1300 volume library, specializing in private presses, modern bindings, and antiquarian books. The bulk of his collection was sold Sotheby's London, vols. 1-7, 1966-1970 for a total of £993,509.