Lot 163: Meyrick: Critical Inquiry Into Antient Armour [Handcolored Plates] 2nd Edition 3 Folio Vols, London: Henry G Bohn 1842

[Ancient Armor] Meyrick's "A Critical Inquiry Into Antient Armour", Samuel Rush Meyrick's, A Critical Inquiry into Antient Armour as it existed in Europe, particularly in Great Britain from the Norman Conquest to the reign of King Charles II.

Three volumes, (London: Henry G. Bohn, 1842, second edition), folio (11.5" x 15"), approximately 650 pp. With numerous hand-colored plates, gilt highlights, illuminated initials.

Half burgundy leather over marbled paper boards. Gilt decoration and titles in six compartments between five raised bands. Rules stamped in gilt on the front and back boards. All edges gilt. Marbled endpapers.

Bookplate for Easton Neston Library.

Meyricks laborious work was practically the first on the subject and remains an authority even today. Meyrick considered armor in general to have important connections with many aspects of society:

"With the history of the wars of mankind, obviously, and from the remotest periods, it is connected; with the mythology and sacred rites of almost all nations and religions; with the rise and progress of a large portion of the arts; with questions of jurisprudence and civil polity; and with some of the most favorite amusements of all ranks in antient, as well as modern, times" (preface).

Meyrick demonstrates the significance of armor throughout history by including both carefully detailed textual outlines and profuse and stunning illustrations, many hand-colored and edged in gilt or silver.

Meyrick was elected a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries in 1810 and for some years contributed to the "Archæologia." In 1826 he was consulted by the authorities at the Tower of London as to the arrangement of the national collection of arms and armor, and in 1828, at the command of George IV, he arranged the collection at Windsor Castle. This is still considered one of his most important works.

Easton Neston is a large grade I listed country house in the parish of Easton Neston near Towcester in Northamptonshire, England. It was built by William Fermor, 1st Baron Leominster (1648–1711), in the Baroque style to the design of the architect Nicholas Hawksmoor. Easton Neston is thought to be the only mansion which was solely the work of Hawksmoor. From about 1700, after the completion of Easton Neston, Hawksmoor worked with Sir John Vanbrugh on many buildings, including Castle Howard and Blenheim Palace, and often provided technical knowledge to the less qualified Vanbrugh. Hawksmoor's work was always more classically severe than Vanbrugh's. However, Easton Neston predates this partnership by some six years.

Some light wear to boards. Some foxing to plates, mostly bright and clean. A very desirable set in any condition - this set is remarkably good and perhaps the best set to ever come onto the market.

The Piatnitza Collection: A handsome and varied collection lovingly curated over 25 years.

Ms. Piatnitza, a business executive in the technology industry, traveled the world collecting treasures in rare and antique book stores, along with antiquarian objects, instruments and a massive assortment of stereoviews.

Piatnitza's vast range of interests and subject matter are widely reflected in this fantastic collection.

Items featured in this auction were curated from around the globe, including England, Paris, Belgium, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Germany and Italy and the United States.