MORGAN COLLECTION, JOHN PIERPONT | A CATALOGUE COMPRISING:

Williamson, G.C. Litt. D., Catalogue of the Collection of Watches, the Property of J. Pierpont Morgan. Privately Printed at the Chiswick Press, London, 1912, number 11 of 15 copies, contemporary red half morocco gilt.Printed on Japanese vellum with hand-colored facsimiles painted under the supervision of Hallettt Hyatt, London. Accompanied by an original outer box.

The original outer box is with a year to the bottom right corner and some light abrasions throughout. The book is impressive and in overall well preserved condition. The back cover is with some light scuffing. The front cover with a small round area with tear to the leather. Pages are brilliantly and vibrantly rendered. When closed, you may observe the gold finished edges to the bound pages, some with light wear and tear.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. 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. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.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."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

J.P. Morgan spent a considerable amount of his astounding wealth collecting exceptional books, paintings, objets d'art, and watches. His appreciation for the finest craftsmanship can easily be seen in this the pages of the present lot, which is a catalogue of his horological collection, printed on Japanese vellum.  Morgan privately printed a total of 15 copies of his catalogue at the renowned Chiswick Press in London. Hallet Hyatt, an esteemed photographer who specialized in using photographic techniques in his engraved and hand painted reproductions, supervised the hand painting of the colored facsimiles included here. Hyatt established himself by creating high quality limited edition works, and his pieces have been included in such institutions as the Royal Museum at Greenwich. This fine compilation includes illustrations with gold and silver leaf, "laid on so thick that the engraved designs of the watches could be reproduced exactly." Morgan received the catalogue on Christmas Day, 1912 in Rome and cabled Williamson, in New York 'It is the most beautiful book I have ever seen.' The catalogue was indeed with Morgan at the time of his passing in Rome, early 1913 (S.N. Behrman, Duveen, Random House, New York, 1953).

Morgan made 15 copies of this catalogue, of which this is number 11, specifically for family members and to special acquaintances, such as Royalty.