Jun 25, 2026 10:00 EST

The Collection of a Florida Bibliophile

 
Lot 6
 

6

The first accurate published representation of the American flag

Collection of a Florida Bibliophile

[AMERICAN REVOLUTION]

[SPRENGEL, MATTHIAS CHRISTIAN]. Historisch-genealogischer Calender, oder Jahrbuch der merkwürdigsten neuen Welt-Begebenheiten für 1784. Leipzig: Haude and Spener, [1784]. First edition. Contemporary vellum over stiff card boards, with a gilt border and a vase motif in gilt to each cover, manuscript spine title, all edges gilt, 4 3/8 x 2 5/8 inches (11 x 6.5 cm). Collation: 16º *8**4A–E82A–2K82L6(2L6+1)2M4; 143 leaves; engraved title page, 17 plates of which one is a two-page plate and three are neatly hand-colored, folding map of the Eastern seaboard of North America with hand-coloring. Binding soiled, with stains to both covers and the gilt flaking and dulled. Both hinges cracked and the spine tender; some quires loosened but not loose. Internally bright, with only minor thumbsoiling and faint toning throughout.

A German pocket almanac containing a detailed history of the American Revolutionary War, illustrated with a map and plates after Chadowiecki, including an early printed representation of the American flag, a depiction of the Continental Congress, and portraits of patriots including Washington and Franklin. E.D. Church lists three known variants of this book; ours corresponds exactly to his first-listed version and collates as complete. The work is rare at auction with few copies listed in Rare Book Hub. Church 1207. Reese, Revolutionary Hundred 77. Sabin 89755 (calling this the first edition).

Estimate
$2,000 - $4,000
 

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Collection of a Florida Bibliophile

[AMERICAN REVOLUTION]

[SPRENGEL, MATTHIAS CHRISTIAN]. Historisch-genealogischer Calender, oder Jahrbuch der merkwürdigsten neuen Welt-Begebenheiten für 1784. Leipzig: Haude and Spener, [1784]. First edition. Contemporary vellum over stiff card boards, with a gilt border and a vase motif in gilt to each cover, manuscript spine title, all edges gilt, 4 3/8 x 2 5/8 inches (11 x 6.5 cm). Collation: 16º *8**4A–E82A–2K82L6(2L6+1)2M4; 143 leaves; engraved title page, 17 plates of which one is a two-page plate and three are neatly hand-colored, folding map of the Eastern seaboard of North America with hand-coloring. Binding soiled, with stains to both covers and the gilt flaking and dulled. Both hinges cracked and the spine tender; some quires loosened but not loose. Internally bright, with only minor thumbsoiling and faint toning throughout.

A German pocket almanac containing a detailed history of the American Revolutionary War, illustrated with a map and plates after Chadowiecki, including an early printed representation of the American flag, a depiction of the Continental Congress, and portraits of patriots including Washington and Franklin. E.D. Church lists three known variants of this book; ours corresponds exactly to his first-listed version and collates as complete. The work is rare at auction with few copies listed in Rare Book Hub. Church 1207. Reese, Revolutionary Hundred 77. Sabin 89755 (calling this the first edition).

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Auction: The Collection of a Florida Bibliophile, Jun 25, 2026

  • Auction of The Collection of a Florida Bibliophile on Thursday, June 25, 2026 at 10am

  • Featuring a Wide Range of Americana and Military History Spanning the 18th through 20th Centuries

  • We Invite You to Contact Us for a Complimentary Auction Evaluation of Your Collection


NEW YORK, NY -- Doyle is pleased to present The Collection of a Florida Bibliophile on Thursday, June 25, 2026 at 10am. This extensive and fascinating collection offers a diverse selection of books, manuscripts and original illustration art.

In time for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence this summer, the collection is heavily focused on Americana and military history. Highlights include a rare copy of Historich-genealogischer Calender, the 1784 almanac printed in Germany featuring the first published representation of the American flag along with portraits of George Washington and Benjamin Franklin. Other highlights in Americana include a fine copy of The American Military Pocket Atlas, 1776, George Kendall’s 1851 The War Between the United States and Mexico illustrated and the very rare Uniform and Dress of the Army of the Confederate States printed in Richmond in 1862. The collection is very rich in color plate and military costume books including a stunning hand-colored copy of Arnault’s Vie politique et militaire de Napoléon and Rattray’s The Costumes of the Various Tribes, Portraits of Ladies of Rank, Celebrated Princes and Chiefs, views of the principal fortresses and cities, and interior of the cities and temples of Afghaunistan. A wonderful offering is Paul Christian Kirchner’s Jüdisches Ceremoniel from 1734, with finely hand-colored engravings of Jewish life.

The collection offers many interesting signed books of general interest, ranging from P.T. Barnum to Leon Trotsky to Jimmy Hoffa and books relating to the Harlem Renaissance and New York nightlife such as signed copy in dust jacket of Al Hirschfeld’s Manhattan Oases. Original artwork includes drawings by Thomas Rowlandson, Heath Robinson, and others. Objects include an interesting assortment from an 18th century pocket globe to a fine Italian made stereo-viewer to WWII era binoculars.

With over 200 lots of antiquarian interest, The Collection of a Florida Bibliophile offers something to please new and seasoned collectors alike.

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