Weegee (Arthur Fellig) (1899-1968)

Portfolio of forty-five silver prints, edited by Louis Stettner with Wilma Wilcox. With a printed title page, contents page, and foreword. Edition number two of an intended twenty, plus six Hors Serie. Each print bears the Weegee collection blindstamp in the lower margin, as well as two ink stamps on the reverse. The one bears the phrase 'Credit Photo By Weegee the Famous' and the second (designed to match it) simply 'Print: Kaplan'. In addition each print is numbered in pencil on the reverse to conform to the list of contents. Cased in grey cloth with a version of the 'Weegee the Famous' stamp on the cover.

Wilma Wilcox.
Side Gallery, Newcastle.

Box clean and with no wear. Title page, list of photographs and foreword clean and crisp. The prints in excellent condition overall. Only the following few small points to note: Light rippling to the majority of print edges. One small (approx. 3cm length) loss of emulsion to the right edge of one print (this in the margin of that print, and not at all distracting). The very occasional stress mark to a few prints, these visible only in raking light. A small half-circle of dirt at the centre of the upper edge of 'The Critic' - this in the margin and not distracting. Occasional very light wear to some print corners. A superb set of photographs.
"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."

These prints were printed in 1982 by Sid Kaplan, Weegee's distinguished printer, for a portfolio box of forty-nine prints of which only one set was ever sold. The present set of forty-five was issued in 1986 from the prints made for the earlier set, re-edited and with new introductory materials by Weegee's friend and fellow-photographer Louis Stettner. While it is not known how many of the present edition were made or sold, the evidence tends to suggest that the edition was not completed to its full extent.