- 30
Reeve, Lovell, and G.B. Sowerby.
Estimate
15,000 - 20,000 GBP
Log in to view results
bidding is closed
Description
- Conchologica iconica: or, illustrations of the Shells of Molluscous Animals. London: Reeve et al., 1843-1878
- paper
20 volumes bound in 26, 4to (276 x 219mm.), one wood-engraved plate printed in bistre, 5 uncoloured lithographed plates of details of Chitons, 2727 hand-coloured lithographed plates (printed on 2723 leaves), annotations and loosely inserted notes by Gordon W. Nowell-Usticke, some earlier annotations in French, various later bindings: 10 volumes stitched and bound in cloth, 16 volumes fixed in cloth or half cloth binders using metal pins, [Dance, A History of Shell Collecting, pp. 158-159; Nissen ZBI 3331], without the engraved portrait of H. Cumming, the first half of vol. VI with stab holes to blank foremargins, light worming to volumes 8, 14 and 19
Condition
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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
Perhaps the greatest of all conchological works, offering the most complete selection of images of shells ever published: there are over 27,000 figures on the 2723 plates.
"It was from his London emporium in King William Street, Strand, in 1843, that Reeve issued the first part of his most ambitious and best known work, the Conchologica iconica, the publication of which occupied him for the rest of his life. The first fifteen volumes were published by him and after his death G.B. Sowerby edited the last five at the request of Reeve's widow. Sowerby was responsible for all the illustrations... The figures are widely recognized as the most accurate and the most beautiful of all those published prior to the use of photographic reproductions. The Cumming collection was Reeve's principal source of illustrative material" (Dance).
The plates were available on demand from the publishers well into the twentieth century and would be coloured as needed to fulfil orders; complete sets with the plates coloured at the time of publication in their original state (as here) are rare, and with the colouring more carefully executed.
This set was owned by St Croix resident Gordon W. Nowell-Usticke, author of several monographs on the shells of the Virgin Islands.
"It was from his London emporium in King William Street, Strand, in 1843, that Reeve issued the first part of his most ambitious and best known work, the Conchologica iconica, the publication of which occupied him for the rest of his life. The first fifteen volumes were published by him and after his death G.B. Sowerby edited the last five at the request of Reeve's widow. Sowerby was responsible for all the illustrations... The figures are widely recognized as the most accurate and the most beautiful of all those published prior to the use of photographic reproductions. The Cumming collection was Reeve's principal source of illustrative material" (Dance).
The plates were available on demand from the publishers well into the twentieth century and would be coloured as needed to fulfil orders; complete sets with the plates coloured at the time of publication in their original state (as here) are rare, and with the colouring more carefully executed.
This set was owned by St Croix resident Gordon W. Nowell-Usticke, author of several monographs on the shells of the Virgin Islands.