Marine rare books and prints

The 'South Seas' issue; 2 vols bound as one; folio (35.5 x 29 cm, 14 x 11.5 in); two armorial bookplates to front pastedown; hand coloured etched frontispiece, two engraved parallel titles in English and French (the first with imprint also in French), engraved dedication to the King, two engraved explanatory tables, half-title, engraved plate of medals (undated), 80 hand coloured engraved plates numbered in a contemporaneous hand, with two loose contemporaneous single leaf prospectuses in English and French; contemporary full red morocco by L. Staggemeier and Welcher (with ticket), gilt-ruled borders of a Greek key roll and gilt-dotted rule, gilt spine with emblematic and classical tools offset by two green morocco contrasting lettering-pieces, all edges gilt, extremities lightly rubbed, a few minor stains to binding, very occasional spotting internally; 39, [1]pp (pagination begins half-title verso). A very fine copy.

First edition; 2 vols. bound as one; folio (38 x 24 cm); titles in red and black, 100 hand-coloured engraved plates, most with tissue-guards, 2H1 vol. 1 bound back-to-front, 2E1 vol. 2 with marginal tear just extending into design, inscription in pen to front free endpaper verso; scattered spotting, contemporary diced calf, rebacked retaining original backstrip, a little rubbed, bumping to corners and extremities, inner hinges strengthened with tape, all edges gilt, a very good copy.

Hand-coloured engraving, finished with silver leaf.

Hand-coloured engraving.

Hand-coloured engraving. some potting but otherwise good condition.

Hand-coloured engraving.

Hand-coloured engraving.

Hand-coloured engraving.

Hand-coloured engraving.

Hand-coloured engraving.