Tag: illuminated manuscript

December 9, 2023

Wanted: Old and Rare Manuscripts

Top Prices Paid for Rare Manuscripts and Handwritten Journals by an ABAA Rare Book Dealer

As an ABAA rare book dealer, I am actively seeking to buy old manuscripts, handwritten journals, and unique sketchbooks, especially illuminated manuscripts and historical manuscripts If you have diaries, text manuscripts, or artistic sketchbooks, I am interested in purchasing these items at highly competitive prices, and often at prices higher than could be obtained at rare book auctions.

Determining the value of an old manuscript involves a detailed process. I consider various factors such as the manuscript’s age, historical significance, rarity, condition, and any unique attributes it may possess. The provenance or history of ownership can also play a crucial role in its valuation. My expertise as an ABAA rare book dealer allows me to assess these aspects accurately, ensuring a fair and informed evaluation of your items. I am a very transparent dealer and always happy to explain my thoughts behind a valuation.

I adhere to the highest standards of professionalism as an ABAA member, ensuring a smooth and ethical transaction process. If you have rare manuscripts or journals that you are looking to sell, I offer free evaluations to determine their market value. This service provides you with an informed basis for any potential sale.

If you’re interested in selling your items, please send photos to WeBuyRareBooks@gmail.com or text 646-469-1851 for a prompt evaluation. I am committed to offering top prices for items. This is a straightforward opportunity to sell your rare manuscripts and journals to a knowledgeable and serious dealer

Here is a detail from a 1920’s occult manuscript I am in love with and currently cataloging for our upcoming ABAA April NY Book Fair

posted in: Uncategorized

June 24, 2010

Peacock-feather SANGORSKI & SUTCLIFFE jeweled binding

[BROWNING, Robert] [SANGORSKI, Alberto, calligrapher and illuminator.] “Rabbi Ben Ezra.” [London: for the Grolier Society, ca. 1905-1912]. 24 cm x 18 cm. in a stunning jeweled opal binding by SANGORSKI and SUTCLIFFE.  22 leaves, plus 8 blanks, superbly illuminated floral borders and a full page miniature of Rabbi Ben Ezra.  Colophon statement: recto “The poem of Rabbi Ben Ezra executed by the Grolier Society London, London.” verso “This copy of Rabbi Ben Ezra by Robert Browning, was especially written out, illuminated, and bound by hand and will not be duplicated.” Phoebe A.D. Boyle – Anderson New York, 19-20 November 1923, lot 55.  [SOLD]

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posted in: Uncategorized

November 5, 2009

NEWLY DISCOVERED DIPLOMA OF THE INFLUENTIAL 17th CENTURY ITALIAN, LUDOVICO INCONTRI

ILLUMINATED MANUSCRIPT ON VELLUM; CONNECTED WITH GALILEO

Manuscript:

[Illuminated Manuscript in Latin on Vellum] [Ludovico Attilo Incontri] PATENTI NOBILIARI E LAUREE; Diploma di Laurea. Pisa, 1626. 225 x 165 mm. 6 ff., i.e. 10 pages. Illuminated opening coat of arms, illuminated throughout in pure gold lettering, wax seal. Very fine 17th century Italian goatskin binding with elaborate gold tooling. Complete.

This manuscript is a highly important diploma of Ludovico Attilo Incontri. The Incontri Family had its origins in Volterra. Ludovico Attilio Incontri, who eventually settled in Florence after his education in Pisa, held many important roles in 17th century Italian political life. The Palazzo Incontri, which was acquired by the Incontri family in 1676, still stands next to the Duomo in Florence. Ludovico Attilo Incontri was also connected with Galileo’s circle and likely knew him from the rich intellectual milieu of Pisa. Surviving letters between the two show Lodovico Incontri sent Galileo “two flasks of sour cherry wine from La Pietraia”, inviting him to inform His Highness should he desire others. On May 9, 1638, Galileo declared he was willing to visit the Grand Duke who was staying at the villa. [See: Galileo Galilei, Eugenio Albèri, Celestino Bianchi, Vincenzio Viviani., Le opere di Galileo Galilei, Vol. X. Florence, 1853]

Partial Transcript:

“IN DEI NOMINE AMEN: IULIANUS MEDICES, Dei et Apostolicae sedis gratia Archiepiscopus Pisanus, Insularum Sardiniae et Corsicae Primas, et dicte sedis Apostolicae in eis Legatus natus, nec non Pisani Almi Gymnasii Apostolica Cesareaque authoritate Cancellarius; eoque in infrascripto actu absente, NOS BENEDICTUS Leolus Pisanus, I. U. D., Archidiaconus Primatialis Ecclesiae Pisarum Prothonotarius Apostolicus, Vicarius ac Locumtenens generalis ab eo ad infrascripta omnia et singula specialiter constitutus et deputatus; universis et singulis presentes nostras inspecturis salutem in Domino sempiternam. Cum, inter ceteras in toto orbe terrarum venerandas et famosas Academias et clarissimorum Doctorum Universitates, Pisana multis ornamentis et privilegiis honestata maxime fulgeat, in qua etiam ad Doctoratus et Magisterii publicam et eminentem dignitatem, Pontificia et Caesarea authoritate, sublimantur et extolluntur illi quos, longo exercitio, labore, studio, disciplina et ingenio, summis vigiliis, omni denique conatu et nixu, spretis et relictis voluptatum illecebris, se se doctrinae penitus dantes, sacras et pene divinas Canonicam Civilemque scientias adeptos, maximis laudibus ac verissimis testimoniis accurate reperit probatissimos, et quos certamen generalis et rigorosi examinis, coram Nobis et Venerando Iurisconsultorum Collegio, per concurrentem virtutum copiam meritorumque excellentiam ita promovet ut doctoreis infulis, privilegiis, prerogativis, honoribus et dignitatibus veniant decorandi; Cum itaque egregius ac eruditus Vir, moribus modestus, ingenio acatissimus, doctrina preditus et scientiarum cognitione praeclarus, Adm: RDominus Ludovicus Incontrius Patritius Volaterranus Fil per Illustrius Dominus Attilii, Equitis D. Stephanus, ac Prioris Austrie qui, sua florente etate, in caeleberrimo PISANO Gymnasio per quinquennium, assiduis exercitatus vigiliis, in Pontificio et Caesareo sollicitam et curiosam operam iugiter impendit et navavit, scholasticosque actus arguendo, conferendo, disputando et exercendo, de hinc fuerit legittime coram Nobis Vicario et Vicecancellario prefato presentatus per Mag.cos et Eximios Viros, in Utraque Censura Doctores, Excell.mos Dominum … ”

Auction Records for comparison:

1. PATENTI NOBILIARI E LAUREE – Laurea in Diritto Canonico e Civile a Sebastiano Cuzardo. MANOSCRITTO MINIATO SU PERGAMENA, Messina, 1627. 8°. 200 x 145 mm. 4 carte. ($9,395) Sale 2490 libri autografi e stampe 15 June 2006. See: http://www.christies.com/LotFinder/lot_details.aspx?from=searchresults&intObjectID=4732877&sid=7359d83a-2022-4897-b704-140b36442f75


2. PATENTI NOBILIARI E LAUREE – Officium et Dignitatem Doctoratus et magisterij in Lib. Art. et Sac.Medicina licentia…Exc.mo D.Ioannes Franciscus Polentzi Silesius Cilcensis. Bologna, 1683. ($16,372) Sale 2475 libri e autografi 15 December 2005 Rome. See: http://www.christies.com/LotFinder/lot_details.aspx?from=searchresults&intObjectID=4637405&sid=7359d83a-2022-4897-b704-140b36442f75

posted in: Rare Books

March 26, 2009

ILLUMINATED MANUSCRIPT ON VELLUM FROM THE SCHOOL OF MINOR ILLUMINATORS ASSOCIATED WITH THE Bible of Borso d’Este


BEAUTIFUL ILLUMINATED MANUSCRIPT ON VELLUM FROM THE SCHOOL OF MINOR ILLUMINATORS ASSOCIATED WITH THE Bible of Borso d’Este

BOOK OF HOURS, use of Rome, in Latin. ILLUMINATED MANUSCRIPT ON VELLUM [northern Italy, Ferrara, c. 1460] . 95 x 72 mm. FIVE 3-5 LINE ILLUMINATED INITIALS with leafy ornaments and extensions and marginal decoration; ONE 7 line HISTORIATED INITIAL with border. The decoration of the historiated initial belongs to the school of minor illuminators associated with the production of the magnificent Bible of Borso d’Este (see deer with photo of the Bible of Borso d’Este below) , other ornament and extensions more likely attributable to Guglielmo Giraldi and his associates. Rubricated, numerous 1-2 line gold initials throughout. Bound in a later blindstamped French binding, textblock partly loose, lacking class, some leather loss to part of rear board., still an attractive binding. Condition: Calendar worn, some rubbing and thumbing as usual., ff. 68 with partial loss and initial cut; one initial more seriously rubbed.; otherwise condition as depicted in photos. Contents: Calendar ff.1-11; f.12 blank ruled; ff. 13-115 Office of the Virgin, use of Rome; ff. 116-145 Penitential Psalms and Litany; ff. 146- 193 Office of the Dead, use of Rome; ff. 194-199 Hours of the Cross; ff. 200-220 variants from the Office of the Virgin; f. 220-222 blank ruled.   [$37,000]

posted in: Rare Books