Auctions | October 11, 2011

NBA October Book, Art & Ephemera Auction

[ITHACA, NY] National Book Auctions, located in Ithaca, NY, will host a Sunday, October 23rd auction featuring a broad range of rare antique and vintage books, as well as a fine array of artwork and ephemera.  This auction will feature several personal libraries of scholarly books relating to literature and philosophy as well as a large estate collection of art and architecture related reference books, many in large, folio formats. In addition, several lots of coins and currency will be offered.

Featured books include a number of landmark printings, as well as manuscript leaves dating back to the 15th century.  The manuscript leaves originate from several areas of the world and feature both engraved and hand-illumined vellum examples. Among the important book offerings is the complete ten-volume works of Cicero printed during the years 1546 through 1567 by Sebastian Gryphius of Lyon.  This complete set is extremely rare, with no auction records on file of this complete set coming to market.  Also being offered at this auction is a volume from the seminal work by Nicholas Rowe in 1709 to release the works of Shakespeare in its first non-folio format, with illustrations and modern punctuation.  More recent books that will be sold feature modern first editions of mystery writings, Civil War histories, and a quantity of decorative antique titles.

Found throughout this auction will be important and pleasing pieces of art, both modern and antique.  Highlighted are two original marble sculptures by Masayuki Nagare, the celebrated Japanese sculptor whose pieces can be found in focal international settings including an impressive example that stood in the plaza of the World Trade Center buildings before they were destroyed.  Other Asian artwork will also be sold, alongside antique engravings, early hand-colored botanical and ichthyological plates and other fine specimens.

This auction includes many lots of ephemera.  Featured are several scrapbooks and other lots which contain original photographs and other material from Nazi Germany.  Of note is a series of collectible color trade cards showing athletes from the 1936 Olympics in Berlin.   Along with German and other international currency, there are also a number of lots offering original Civil War currency, primarily Confederate examples. Earlier ephemera items include vintage and antique postcards and an impressive collection of antique maps highlighted by original engraved examples on laid paper with hand-coloring, dating back to the 1600’s.

National Book Auctions is a public auction service specializing in books, ephemera, and art. National Book Auctions is a targeted service offering experience and expertise unique to marketing antique and modern books and ephemera for consignors and collectors alike. Preview for the upcoming Sunday, October 23rd auction is at 10 a.m. and the live auction starts at noon. For more information or to consign collectible material please contact David Hall, Business Manager, at 607-269-0101 or email mail@nationalbookauctions.com.