Kolbe & Fanning
Auction 161 18 Sep 2021
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First Edition Set of Forrer's Biographical Dictionary of Medalists
Forrer, L. BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY OF MEDALLISTS, COIN-, GEM-, AND SEAL-ENGRAVERS, MINT-MASTERS, &C. ANCIENT AND MODERN, WITH REFERENCES TO THEIR WORKS, B.C. 500 – A.D. 1900. London, 1904–1930. Eight volumes, complete. First editions [Volume I is the revised printing of the first edition]. 8vo, original matching dark blue half morocco; spines with five raised bands, ruled and lettered in gilt; marbled endpapers; top page edges gilt. 5278 pages; numerous text illustrations. Original text pages a bit browned, as usual. First and fifth volumes each with one detached (but present) board; Volume III's binding is cracked at gutter; Volume VIII is (very nicely) rebound in similar style. Very good, overall. Comprehensive and indispensable, this enduring work provides valuable information on coin and medal engravers and their work from ancient to modern times. Printed on high acid content paper and bound in half leather that is often fragile, the original edition is often usable only with great care: the present set is in above-average condition. Only 300 sets of the original edition were printed. The similar set in the Margolis Library brought $100 hammer. Clain-Stefanelli 14115*. Grierson 256. Modesti 806.
Forrer, L. BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY OF MEDALLISTS, COIN-, GEM-, AND SEAL-ENGRAVERS, MINT-MASTERS, &C. ANCIENT AND MODERN, WITH REFERENCES TO THEIR WORKS, B.C. 500 – A.D. 1900. London, 1904–1930. Eight volumes, complete. First editions [Volume I is the revised printing of the first edition]. 8vo, original matching dark blue half morocco; spines with five raised bands, ruled and lettered in gilt; marbled endpapers; top page edges gilt. 5278 pages; numerous text illustrations. Original text pages a bit browned, as usual. First and fifth volumes each with one detached (but present) board; Volume III's binding is cracked at gutter; Volume VIII is (very nicely) rebound in similar style. Very good, overall. Comprehensive and indispensable, this enduring work provides valuable information on coin and medal engravers and their work from ancient to modern times. Printed on high acid content paper and bound in half leather that is often fragile, the original edition is often usable only with great care: the present set is in above-average condition. Only 300 sets of the original edition were printed. The similar set in the Margolis Library brought $100 hammer. Clain-Stefanelli 14115*. Grierson 256. Modesti 806.