(Blow Books) | Printed and hand-colored, mid-19th-century

(Blow Books)
5 mid-19th-century Blow Books

[Blow Book]. Np, [1820]. Pamphlet of bifolia (150 x 110 mm). 16 leaves, hand-colored illustrations, interspersed with blank pages, notched tabs; occasional spots. Brown wrapper, hand-dated and with ownership inscriptions on front panel; wrapper worn, some soiling. — The Little Joker!. New York: T.W. Strong, 1859. Pamphlet of bifolia (180 x 108 mm). Title, 32 leaves, black and white illustrations in 5 repeated sequences, interspersed with blank pages, notched tabs; occasional offsetting. Yellow printed wrapper with illustration and publisher's advertisement; wrapper worn, cover detached but present. — Humpty Dumpty. New York: A.J. Fisher, 1869. Pamphlet of bifolia (142 x 106 mm). 38 leaves, hand-colored illustrations in 5 repeated sequences, interspersed with blank pages, notched tabs, publisher's advertisement at end; a little offsetting. Red and green printed wrapper, rebacked; wear at extremities, loss at spine, rubbed. — Humpty Dumpty. New York: A.J. Fisher, 1869. Pamphlet of bifolia, sewn (142 x 106 mm). 36 leaves, with hand-colored illustrations in 5 repeated sequences, interspersed with blank pages, notched tabs; light offsetting, occasional spots. Wrapper printed in black; wrapper worn, rear panel detached but present, sewn binding a little loose. — The Enchanted Scrap Book. London: E. Wallis, nd. 12mo (177 x 130 mm). 46 leaves, with hand-colored illustrations in 6 repeated sequences, pastedown title printed blue, notched tabs; occasional offsetting. Red cloth embossed with floral pattern; a little fading to cloth, a little wear at extremities. In red embossed slipcase, gilt lettered.

Blow books with a number of attractive series of illustrations, with one volume including instructions on how to perform with the book. While the content of the two copies of Humpty Dumpty are identical, one features a red and green printed wrapper.

Sold as group lot, not subject to return.

Condition Report:
Condition as described in catalogue entry.

In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.