Bible. German.

volume 2 only (containing the Prophets and the New Testament), folio (380 x 238mm.), title printed in red and black, title within woodcut border containing coats-of-arms, woodcut initials and illustrations, strictly contemporary German blind-stamped pigskin over wooden boards, portrait of Luther stamped in gold on a red background on upper cover, portrait of Melanchthon stamped in gold on a black background on lower cover, upper cover with initials IP and the date 1574 stamped in gold, metal cornerpieces, two clasps and catches, red edges, occasional light staining, binding slightly rubbed, portrait of Melanchthon slightly scraped

Paul. B-- Bremen, early inscriptions on flyleaf and at foot of title-page; Dr Adolf Grimme, presented to him on his 65th birthday by the Nordwestdeutscher Rundfunk (of which he was the first director general), vellum presentation leaf loosely inserted

VD16 B2778 (both volumes)

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."

Both portraits on the covers bear the initials "TK", meaning Thomas Krüger, a bookbinder in Wittenberg known for using several stamps together on the same board, who died in 1591. For more details see K. Haebler, Rollen- und Plattenstempel des XVI. Jahrhunderts (Leipzig, 1928), pp.249-254; these two stamps are his numbers VII for Luther and VIII for Melanchthon. The portraits are by Lucas Cranach (his mark of a winged serpent is found at the foot of each), a close friend and collaborator of Luther's, who was court painter to the Elector of Saxony in Wittenberg.