Lot 55: HORACE (65-8 B.C.) -- PINE, John, engraver (1690-1756). Opera. London: John Pine

HORACE (65-8 B.C.) -- PINE, John, engraver (1690-1756). Opera. London: John Pine, 1733-1737.

2 volumes, 8° (228 x 130mm). Engraved throughout. (Some light browning and spotting.) Red morocco gilt by F. Bedford, gilt edges. Provenance: A. Van Der Poel (bookplate).

FIRST EDITION, second issue of this celebrated all-engraved work with illustrations from gems and other antiquities. Volume I of this copy is with two window-mounted receipts, signed by Pine, both dated 7 October 1747, one to Paul Vailland for 'sixteen pounds five shillings in full for one eighth share of the plates to my Horace,' the other to Paul Harding for the same amount and share but assigned by him to Paul Vailland, making the latter's share a seventh; together with another receipt for shares made out to Paul Vaillant, dated 24 September 1756, signed by Andrew Millar [Pine had died on 4 May]. Also with an account [by ?Millar], dated 19 January 1757, detailing the £63 cost of publishing a projected second edition with the names of the shareholders. Brunet III, 320; Rothschild 1548. (2)

No VAT on hammer price or buyer's premium