Lot 77
Gutenberg, Johann. Full Color Facsimile of The Gutenberg Bible, Part One. Monumental facsimile of the Gutenberg Bible published in 1977 in Munich, Germany. This milestone in reproduction is in twelve colors, gold foil overlay, patina printing, structure drawing and embossing was done by Lichtdruck AG in Dielsdorf, Switzerland. The paper is a custom made Van Gelder handmade paper having the ox head with stick and star watermark. The template this facsimile was taken is from the State Library of Prussian Cultural Heritage in Berlin. Only 995 were printed with only 895 copies in two volumes available for sale. This is #484 but only Part One. Volume begins with Jerome's first epistle to Paulinus, then Genesis and ends with the Book of Job. The special deluxe binding of this edition is by every measure a remarkable feat of craftsmanship. Tooled, blind-stamped calf over thick wooden boards with large brass corner and center bosses, double raised bands, spine panels with decoration in blind similar to the covers, leather thongs with brass clasps and catches. These editions sold for $6000.00 in 1977 and now regularly command close to $10,000.00 Condition: As opposed to many recently sold, this edition only has soft creases on first two blank pages and the last two blank pages. Otherwise no toning, staining, writing, smudging or tears, with each page creamy white as the day printed. Sometime in the past 40+ years the second volume went missing. But this is a phenomenal opportunity to enjoy and own a part of this landmark publication. Estimated Value $1,000 - 3,000
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| Realized $672 |
