FISHER, MUTT AND JEFF, 1910-1915, PRESENTATION COPIES, (4 VOL.)

i) The Mutt and Jeff Cartoons. Boston: The Ball Publishing Company, 1910. oblong folio (140 x 391mm.), presentation copy, inscribed by the artist to his mother (“The first one off the | press to my dear | little mother -  Bud”), brown cloth-backed boards with title and design printed in black, some small tears, front free endpaper starting, soiling to boards, bumped ii) The Mutt and Jeff Cartoons. Book 2. Boston: The Ball Publishing Company, 1911. oblong folio (139 x 389mm.), dedication copy, dated and  inscribed by the author to his mother (“The first one off | the press, to my | mother. | Bud”), red cloth-backed boards with title and design printed in red, some small tears to edges including title page, bumped and rubbed iii) The Mutt and Jeff Cartoons. Book 3. Boston: The Ball Publishing Company, 1912. oblong folio (138 x 385mm.), presentation copy, dated and inscribed by the author to his mother (“To Mother, | the first one | off the press, | Bud.”), black cloth-backed red boards with title and design printed in red, boards with minor abrasions and soiling, bumped iv) The Mutt and Jeff Cartoons. Book 4. Boston: The Ball Publishing Company, 1915. oblong folio (135 x 385mm.), presentation copy, inscribed by the author (“the first | one of book “4” | for you| Bud”), black cloth-backed boards with title and design printed in black, minor browning, soiling to boards, bumped preserved in blue cloth chemise and matching morocco-backed collector's box (4)

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, 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 'Mutt and Jeff' cartoons by Bud Fisher are wildly regarded as the first cartoons published in newspapers as a 'strip' of panels (as opposed to a single panel), thus making them the first genuine  'comic strip'.