| Description |
A Rare and Important Work, with Specimens Of Bank Note Engraving, Papers, Etc.London: Groombridge and Sons, 1854. Third edition (first illustrated). Thick 8vo, original black half morocco with marbled sides; spine with five raised bands, lettered in gilt; top page edges gilt; rear pastedown used to mount 15 specimens of red wax seals, all are which are intact. vii, 356 pages; 90 numbered specimens, illustrations, engravings and other inserts bound in as issued (with many additional items), many of them of multiple additional pages, some of them folding, some printed on colored paper. All additional bound materials called for are present. Binding rubbed, but entirely intact; some folding plates, specimens, etc., separated at folds. Ex-library, but with only a bookplate to indicate this. Very good. An extraordinary and very rare work, of considerable interest to students of bank note printing and related sciences. The essay was written in response to a contest held by James William Gilbart, of the London and Westminster Bank, offering a prize for the best essay written on the practical application of the inventions and discoveries showcased at the 1851 Great Exhibition to the field of banking. The first two editions of Sharp's winning essay were not illustrated. This third edition is distinctive for being illustrated in a novel manner. Sharp gathered together all sorts of samples, plates, illustrations, handbills, circulars and catalogues and bound them together with his essay. These "extras" add up to more than half of the bulk of the volume at hand, and are fascinating to peruse. Subjects covered by the essay include: the prevention of forgery, bank note paper, checks, engraving and printing techniques, and the quest for "inimitable engraving." A rare and important work, most extant copies appear to be incomplete: all of the bound materials called for are present in this copy. Estimate $2,000. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.
Heritage Auctions 11/2018 (Newman XI), lot15383 (realized $1440).
Heritage link: http://www.ha.com/c/item.zx?saleNo=1283&lotIdNo=11317 |
