May 1, 2024 10:00 EST

Rare Books, Autographs & Maps

 
Lot 14
 

14

A group of English books on the decorative arts

A collection of seven English books related to the decorative arts, with subjects such as antiquities, Wedgwood, and ornamental design, comprising, KIRK. Outlines from Figures and Compositions upon the Greek, Roman, and Etruscan Vases of the late Sir William Hamilton with Engraved Borders. London: T. McLean, 1814. Calf. Engraved plates. Boards detatched, lacking spine, spotting; Together with, T. A. WORLIDGE. A Select Collection of Drawings from Curious Antique Gems. London: Drydem Leach, 1768. Calf spine over patterned cloth boards. Engraved plates. Fading and wear to boards, lacking spine, contents with intermittent toning and stains; METEYARD, ELIZA. Choice Examples of Wedgwood Art...[and] Wedgwood and His Works... London: George Bell and Sons, 1879, and London: Bell and Daldy, 1873. Both in publisher’s cloth. Laid down photographic prints. Bindings worn and defective almost detatched from textblock, dampstaining to contents, mostly in margins; and JAMES MILLINGEN. Ancient Unedited Monuments: Painted Greek Vases... London: 1822. Color printed plates in black and orange. Worn, with text block detaching from binding; and OWEN JONES. The Grammar of Ornament. London: Bernard Quaritch, 1868. Publisher’s cloth, gilt. Color printed plates. Large losses to cloth at spine; and with GEORGE TURNBULL. A Treatise on Ancient Painting... London: A Millar, 1740. Contemporary brown speckled calf, gilt. Engraved plates. Worn, joints cracked with hinges holding by a few cords, occasional spotting to contents, this lot of seven books is sold as is.

Estimated at $500 - $800

 

A collection of seven English books related to the decorative arts, with subjects such as antiquities, Wedgwood, and ornamental design, comprising, KIRK. Outlines from Figures and Compositions upon the Greek, Roman, and Etruscan Vases of the late Sir William Hamilton with Engraved Borders. London: T. McLean, 1814. Calf. Engraved plates. Boards detatched, lacking spine, spotting; Together with, T. A. WORLIDGE. A Select Collection of Drawings from Curious Antique Gems. London: Drydem Leach, 1768. Calf spine over patterned cloth boards. Engraved plates. Fading and wear to boards, lacking spine, contents with intermittent toning and stains; METEYARD, ELIZA. Choice Examples of Wedgwood Art...[and] Wedgwood and His Works... London: George Bell and Sons, 1879, and London: Bell and Daldy, 1873. Both in publisher’s cloth. Laid down photographic prints. Bindings worn and defective almost detatched from textblock, dampstaining to contents, mostly in margins; and JAMES MILLINGEN. Ancient Unedited Monuments: Painted Greek Vases... London: 1822. Color printed plates in black and orange. Worn, with text block detaching from binding; and OWEN JONES. The Grammar of Ornament. London: Bernard Quaritch, 1868. Publisher’s cloth, gilt. Color printed plates. Large losses to cloth at spine; and with GEORGE TURNBULL. A Treatise on Ancient Painting... London: A Millar, 1740. Contemporary brown speckled calf, gilt. Engraved plates. Worn, joints cracked with hinges holding by a few cords, occasional spotting to contents, this lot of seven books is sold as is.

Auction: Rare Books, Autographs & Maps, May 1, 2024

  • Auction of Rare Books, Autographs & Maps on May 1, 2024 Totals $1.2 Million

  • A Medieval Manuscript Rules of St. Augustine Achieves $102k

  • Consignments Are Currently Being Accepted for Future Auctions


NEW YORK, NY -- Competitive bidding at Doyle’s May 1, 2024 auction of Rare Books, Autographs & Maps drove strong prices and a sale total that topped $1.2 million, surpassing expectations.

Featured in the sale was a fascinating selection of early manuscripts that achieved exceptional results. Highlighting the group was a 14th century manuscript of the Rules of St. Augustine from an English priory that soared over its $8,000-12,000 estimate to realize a stunning $102,100. The Rule of St. Augustine is among the earliest of all monastic rules, created about 400, and it was an influence on all that succeeded it. Other notable results included a 14th century Etymologiae of St. Isidore estimated at $5,000-8,000 that achieved $51,200 and a 15th century Prayer Book of Jehan Bernachier estimated at $10,000-15,000 that sold for $28,800.

A first edition of John James Audubon's octavo Birds of America sold for $41,600, far over its $25,000-35,000 estimate. Published in 1840-1844 in seven volumes, the first octavo edition was the final Birds of America publication overseen by Audubon in his lifetime.

The Fred Rotondaro Collection offered rare books and manuscripts on a range of subjects touching the African American experience in the United States over three centuries. A first edition copy of Frederick Douglass’ 1876 speech at the unveiling of the Freedman's Monument in Washington realized $12,800, far exceeding its $3,000-5,000 estimate. A first edition of the first issue of Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin from 1852 also achieved $12,800.

Highlighting the range of offerings from the Ken Harte Collection of Natural History was a first edition Richard Bowdler Sharpe’s beautifully illustrated monograph of Kingfishers, 1868-71, that sold for $14,080, doubling its $6,000-8,000 estimate. It was accompanied by an inscribed copy of the rare unfinished chapter on the anatomy of the kingfisher by James Murie.


We Invite You to Auction!

Consignments are currently being accepted for future auctions. We invite you to contact us for a complimentary auction evaluation. Our Specialists are always available to discuss the sale of a single item or an entire collection.

For information, please contact Peter Costanzo at 212-427-4141 ext 248, Edward Ripley-Duggan at ext 234, or Noah Goldrach at ext 226, or email Books@Doyle.com

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