Jacobus de Voragine

Royal folio (371 x 262mm.), 412 leaves (of 420), [a-z¹⁰ A-Q¹⁰ R-S⁸ T⁶ V⁸], double column, 49 lines, woodcut illustrations, 5-line initial at start of text, red initial strokes, 3- and 4-line calligraphic initials in red or blue, nineteenth-century half morocco over wooden boards, retaining (defective) panels of a German roll-tooled pigskin binding dated 1580 (plausibly a Hildesheim binding), two clasps, lacking 8 leaves of text (5 in first part, 3 in second part, including last leaf of text before register), some worming, numerous paper repairs, several leaves torn and repaired, one leaf at end mostly defective, occasional staining, leaves misbound at end; sold not subject to return

Hansse Tymmermann, inscription on first leaf dated 1538

Goff J170; HC 9988; BSB-Ink H-25; GW M11509; Schreiber 4320

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."

RARE FIRST EDITION IN LOW GERMAN of the Golden Legend; we have not found any sale records for this edition. The woodcut blocks are those used by Sensenschmidt for his 1475 German edition printed in Nuremberg, but showing some damage.