A few days ago I heard over the transom that Forum Auctions was the bearer of good news both to their consignors and one of their bidders.
On Thursday 26 January they sold a copy in their Fine Books, Manuscripts and Works on Paper Sale of Peter Martyr’s De Orbe Novo, the 1587 edition complete with the Hakluyt-Martyr map for £130,000 Pounds translated to £162,500 Pounds with buyer’s premium.
It was found in an English country house and the owner had absolutely no idea what it was or how desirable it would be to knowledgeable bidders. Savants, recognizing the significance of Forum’s Lot 262, many of whom have followed Forum’s sales for years, had an exuberant week, whistling stairway to heaven, praying the field’s cognoscenti might gloss over the description of a rare book that was important but might not grasp how rare its very small map [4.13” x 6.67”] really is. A map less than 27.54 sq. inches, how much would it matter? It turns out a lot.
Come the day of the sale 5 bidders were organized and on their phones to play pickpocket. The very appealing estimate, £30,000-£40,000 was mouthwatering. Yes, it was valuable but perhaps the estimate would scare away the faint-hearted.
Alas, there were 5 bidders on their phones joining the battle, prepared to struggle to acquire this gem. One walked away with their arms raised in a V. These prizes keep adults awake at night.
The victor sleeps very well tonight while the consignor now has a nice story about their tiny book that did very, very well. Congratulations all around.
Sotheby's Bibliothèque Jacques Dauchez - Autour de Dubuffet
5-19 June
Sotheby’s, June 5-19: Bissière, Roger. Cantique à notre frère soleil de saint François. 1954. 1,000 - 1,500 EUR
Sotheby’s, June 5-19: Céline, Louis-Ferdinand. La vie & l’œuvre de Philippe Ignace Semmelweis. 1924. Rare édition originale, avec envoi. Joint : La Quinine en thérapeutique, 1925. 4,000 - 6,000 EUR
Sotheby’s, June 5-19: Céline, Louis-Ferdinand. Mort à crédit. 1936. Édition originale. Bel exemplaire sur Hollande. 2,500 - 3,500 EUR
Sotheby's Bibliothèque Jacques Dauchez - Autour de Dubuffet
5-19 June
Sotheby’s, June 5-19: Chillida, Eduardo ─ Emil Cioran. Face aux instants. 1985. Un des 100 exemplaires sur Arches. Eau-forte signée. 600 - 800 EUR
Sotheby’s, June 5-19: Dubuffet, Jean. Ler dla canpane. L’Art Brut, 1948. Édition originale. 3,000 - 5,000 EUR
Sotheby’s, June 5-19: Dubuffet, Jean. L'Herne Jean Dubuffet. 1973. Un des 100 exemplaires du tirage de luxe avec une sérigraphie originale en couleurs. 1,000 - 1,500 EUR
Gros & Delettrez Livres & Manuscrits Arméniens Jeudi 12 juin 2025 Paris, Francis
Gros & Delettrez, June 12: BIBLE, Venise 1733, reliure arménienne
Gros & Delettrez, June 12: CHARAKNOTS, manuscrit XVIIe-XVIIIe siècle
