GOSPELS IN CHURCH SLAVONIC, MANUSCRIPT ON PAPER, 17TH CENTURY, PURPLE VELVET BINDING WITH METAL DECORATION

8vo (192 x 100mm.), manuscript on paper, 274 leaves, written in red and black ink, 4 portraits of each of the Evangelists, each of them with a green fabric guard, four decorative head-pieces (one at the start of each gospel), nineteenth-century (German?) binding of purple velvet over wooden boards, mother of pearl cross and four roundels on upper cover, each with a painted portrait within a metal surround, one clasp, edges gilt and gauffered (probably at time of rebinding), probably defective at start, some marginal paper repairs (some with loss of text), each of the portraits laid down, binding rubbed, some loss of painting on the mother of pearl roundels, lacking strap

Late nineteenth-century inscription in Russian at end by a priest or monk, stating the number of leaves

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."

The Gospels are each preceded by a list of parallel passages and the prefaces of Theophylact, Archbishop of Bulgaria.