Bonfils

Oblong folio (250 x 340mm.), 59 ALBUMEN PRINTS (215 x 280mm., or the reverse), including 5 PANORAMAS: 4 of Jerusalem (2 double-page, one 3-part folding, and one 4-part folding), and one double-page of Bethlehem, nearly all images bearing the small black signature of Bonfils in the negative, all mounted on card (some on heavy card), recto only, small printed captions pasted on mounts, contemporary dark green half morocco gilt, upper cover titled "Palestine" and with owner's name "Eliza P. Smiley" in gilt, gilt edges, occasional minor spotting or stains, joints slightly rubbed

Eliza P. Smiley (1828-1913), name on upper cover. The Smileys were a prominent New York Quaker family, and Eliza's husband Albert was an important figure in early native American talks and conferences, and owner of Mohonk Mountain Resort.

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."

A FINE ALBUM OF EARLY BONFILS PHOTOGRAPHS OF JERUSALEM AND PALESTINE, THE PRINTS OVERALL WITH RICH DARK TONES. The photographs bear the earliest signature of "Bonfils" in small black script in the image and the negative numbers range from 106 to 366. The majority of the images are views in and around Jerusalem, but the album also includes views of Bethlehem, Bethany, Hebron, Jaffa (2), Balbec, Tyre, Sidon, Tyre, Acre, Sidon and Ramallah.