Bloch, Marcus

FIRST EDITION, 12 parts text in 4 volumes, 4to (245 x 220mm., one volume non-uniform), and atlas in 4 volumes, oblong 4to (242 x 380mm.), together 8 volumes, text titles with engraved vignettes, plate volumes with engraved titles and 432 engraved plates of fish, printed in black, bistre and green and coloured by hand, some heighted with silver and gold, contemporary blue paper-covered boards, excepting first text volume bound in contemporary half calf, a few plates cut close, bindings rubbed

Nissen SFB 22, ZBI 415; Schlenker 73.1; Wood, p.244

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."

“A fundamental, early treatise” (Wood), containing probably the finest engravings of fishes ever published. Bloch was an avid collector of natural history specimens, and his collection of about 1,500 specimens is now housed at the Humboldt Museum in Berlin.