McKenney, Thomas L., and James Hall

3 volumes, 8vo (10 1/8 x 6 1/2 in.; 257 x 165mm). 120 hand-colored lithographed plates by J. T. Bowen primarily after Charles Byrd King, one hand-colored dedication leaf to George Washington; foxing and toning to text leaves, some offsetting, some minor foxing to plates. Contemporary full red morocco, bound by Altemus, covers elaborately gilt with decorative boarders and cornerpieces, spines with raised bands in six compartments, second and fourth gilt-lettered, others with repeat filigree motif in gilt, all edges gilt; spines sunned, extremities rubbed, one or scuffs to morocco, minor soiling.    

Edward S. Thompson (bookplates to front pastedowns)

Howes M-129; Sabin 43411

3 volumes, 8vo (10 1/8 x 6 1/2 in.; 257 x 165mm). 120 hand-colored lithographed plates by J. T. Bowen primarily after Charles Byrd King, one hand-colored dedication leaf to George Washington; foxing and toning to text leaves, some offsetting, some minor foxing to plates. Contemporary full red morocco, bound by Altemus, covers elaborately gilt with decorative boarders and cornerpieces, spines with raised bands in six compartments, second and fourth gilt-lettered, others with repeat filigree motif in gilt, all edges gilt; spines sunned, extremities rubbed, one or scuffs to morocco, minor soiling.
The lot is sold in the condition it is in at the time of sale. The condition report is provided to assist you with assessing the condition of the lot and is for guidance only. Any reference to condition in the condition report for the lot does not amount to a full description of condition. The images of the lot form part of the condition report for the lot provided by Sotheby's. Certain images of the lot provided online may not accurately reflect the actual condition of the lot. In particular, the online images may represent colours and shades which are different to the lot's actual colour and shades. The condition report for the lot may make reference to particular imperfections of the lot but you should note that the lot may have other faults not expressly referred to in the condition report for the lot or shown in the online images of the lot. The condition report may not refer to all faults, restoration, alteration or adaptation because Sotheby's is not a professional conservator or restorer but rather the condition report is a statement of opinion genuinely held by Sotheby's. For that reason, Sotheby's condition report is not an alternative to taking your own professional advice regarding the condition of the lot.

First octavo edition.  Howes describes the plates—which were based on Charles Byrd King's portraits in the Indian Gallery, Department of War, Washington—as "the most colorful portraits of Indians ever executed."  All of King's portraits were destroyed in the 1865 Smithsonian fire.