Horn Book

Sheet mounted on silver (4 1/2 x 2 3/16 in.; 115 x 55 mm, including the attached handle), printed text on paper including a roman-letter alphabet in upper and lower case, vowels and syllabarium followed by the Lord's Prayer (the initial "O" containing a bird), covered on both sides by mica secured by metal flanges, the back of elaborate filigree in a stylized foliage design over mica-covered red silk, the filigree handle with large initial "S;" mica chipped at top and bottom edges. In a black morocco clamshell box lined with blue velvet, gold-stamped title on spine.

Doris L. Benz (her sale, Christie's NY, 16 November 1984, lot 183)

See Tuer, History of the Horn-Book (1896)

mica chipped at top and bottom edges
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

A fine specimen of a silver horn book, of great rarity. In the opinion of Tuer, most were broken up due to the value of the material. This example is very similar to that illustrated by Tuer (I:105, cut 39).