‘Musk ox,’ an illustration from Audubon & Bachman’s ‘The Quadrupeds of North America,’ est. $3,000-$6,000. Image courtesy of Waverly’s Rare Books.
Known as an “octavo” edition, the 9-inch-tall book is especially desirable because it is complete, with all 500 illustrations present.
“Usually Audubon editions of this type are pilfered for their famous and decorative illustrations, which people frame and display. This one is special because it is 100 percent complete,” said Waverly’s specialist Anson Brown.
The consignor of the Audubon book is Charles Truitt’s son, who has kept and cared for the important book from his father’s collection for many years. He has also consigned to auction an edition of John James Audubon and John Bachman’s The Quadrupeds of North America. It is estimated at $3,000-$6,000.
Another highlight of the 215-lot sale, which features Internet live bidding through LiveAuctioneers.com, is a circa-1900 fully leather-bound edition of The Life of Napoleon. It came to Waverly’s from a couple in Winchester, Va., who had kept it on a bookshelf for 38 years.
“The gentleman knew that it probably had value, as he noticed that it was an edition of 1 of 26 volumes issued by the publisher. Upon examining the set at Waverly’s, we found that it contained a letter signed around 1794 by Napoleon Bonaparte, when he was a general,” said Brown.
The letter was likely dictated by Napoleon, penned by his secretary, marked “personal” and signed by Napoleon, according to Brown. “What is most remarkable is that, after 38 years of ownership, the couple never even knew the letter was there,” Brown said. “They were pleasantly surprised when I told them the auction estimate would be $4,000-$6,000.”
Other noteworthy items in the March 1 sale include a certificate of membership in the Society of the Cincinnati, signed by President George Washington, estimate $2,000-$3,000; and Andrew Ellicott’s map titled “Plan of the City of Washington in the Territory of Columbia,” estimate $1,000-$3,000.
“This is probably the strongest auction we’ve had in the last couple of years,” said Brown. “In addition to connoisseur’s items like the Audubon Birds of America edition, we also have a number of pieces that aren’t particularly rare but still quite sought after by collectors,” said Brown.
Waverly’s March 1 Fine and Rare Books, Maps & Manuscripts auction will commence at 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time. For information on any item in the upcoming auction, call 703-532-5632 or e-mail info@quinnsauction.com.
View the fully illustrated catalog and sign up to bid absentee or live via the Internet at www.LiveAuctioneers.com.
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ADDITIONAL LOTS OF NOTE
‘Musk ox,’ an illustration from Audubon & Bachman’s ‘The Quadrupeds of North America,’ est. $3,000-$6,000. Image courtesy of Waverly’s Rare Books. ‘White-headed sea eagle or bald eagle,’ one of 500 illustrations contained in a complete 1840 octavo edition of John James Audubon’s ‘The Birds of America,’ est. $40,000-$60,000. Image courtesy of Waverly’s Rare Books. Certificate of membership in the Society of the Cincinnati, signed by President George Washington, est. $2,000-$3,000. Image courtesy of Waverly’s Rare Books. Circa-1794 letter signed by Gen. Napoleon Bonaparte that was tucked inside a circa-1900 leather-bound edition of ‘The Life of Napoleon,’ est. $4,000-$6,000. Image courtesy of Waverly’s Rare Books. John James Audubon’s The Birds of America, 7-volume set, 1840-1844, 1st octavo edition. From the Charles Truitt Estate. Est. $40,000-$60,000. Image courtesy of Waverly’s Rare Books.
