Florida Rat, Plate VI of the Imperial Folio Edition of the Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America. Rare proof print signed "J. J. Audubon" in pencil in the lower left corner.  Latin and common names of the animals appears in Audubon's hand under the image.  The printed text (plate and part number /animal name/ printer and artist credits) do not appear on this print.  This print may have been signed by Audubon to show approval of the color, or perhaps as a gift given during his travels in 1842.  Inquire for price and condition information.

Uncolored restrike of Havell Plate 277, Hutchins's Barnacle Goose, 1958. This beautiful restrike was done with the original Havell plate in commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the American Ornithologists' Union.  The print is in excellent condition with sheet size 32-1/2 x 26-1/4 inches.  Below the plate impression of the Goose is a second plate impression with a brief single-line statement that indicates the origins of the print.  This print is rare, especially in such good condition.  $1,250.

This print is part of a small group of about sixty surviving working proofs (or "pattern prints") for the Double Elephant Folio of  THE BIRDS OF AMERICA (1826-1838) that were previously owned by descendants of Robert Havell.  The pattern prints were approved by Audubon and used by his printer, Robert Havell, in guiding his colorists.  Many of the original pattern prints were likely discarded or lost over time; this group was passed down within the Havell family, and only in the last few years have the individual prints been offered for sale.

The pattern prints are well-documented, having been the topic of an award-winning catalogue by Joseph Goddu, John James Audubon & Robert Havell, Jr.: Artist's Proofs for THE BIRDS OF AMERICA.  This specific print for Plate 116 Ferruginous Thrush is pictured on Page 9 and described on Page 48 of the Goddu catalogue.  

It  is rare for a pattern print to include a complete watermark, or to be as large and close to complete as this one.  This print has excellent provenance, having been purchased at a June 2006 auction that included a group of pattern prints offered by members of the Havell family.  

FERRUGINOUS THRUSH (PLATE CXVI)

Hand-colored etching with aquatint by Robert Havell.  A working proof used as a pattern print.  Inscribed "Thrush" (recto, lower left) in pencil by the engraver, on wove paper with the J Whatman 1831 watermark, repaired tears and creases, particularly in the lower image, a water stain in the upper right corner. Sheet size, 29 3/4 inches by 20 3/8 inches.  Frame plus copies of the auction and Goddu catalogues to be included with the print.  SOLD 

Rare uncolored proof of Plate 279 Sandwich Tern from the Havell Edition (or Double Elephant Folio) of The Birds of America.  Large full sheet measuring 26-1/2 x 39-1/2 inches.  Some creasing along the right edge (extending about 1/4 inch into the sheet).  Full watermark reading J WHATMAN / 1836.  SOLD

Rare uncolored proof of Plate CCXCIV Pectoral Sandpiper from the Havell Edition (or Double Elephant Folio) of The Birds of America.  Trimmed at plate mark, watermark has been trimmed away. This is an original trimmed uncolored Havell, not a restrike.  SOLD

FASCICLES (BOOKLETS AS ORIGINALLY ISSUED)

We have available several complete fascicles, both birds and quads.  Called "numbers" by the Audubons, these are the booklets in which plates and text were distributed to subscribers.  The complete set was comprised of 100 booklets for the Birds and 31 for the Quadrupeds; the booklets were taken apart and reassembled into books.  Rare under any circumstances, these booklets are often found damaged or incomplete.  We have several available, each complete and in good or better condition.  See the bird fascicles.  See the quadruped fascicle.

UNCOLORED AND PARTIALLY COLORED PRINTS

76 Moose Deer - rare uncolored later edition octavo print with tinted background -- very full margins.  Never trimmed. c. 1850s. $350

21 Gray Fox.  Partially colored print of the Gray Fox by Nagel and Weingaertner with full margins (never trimmed for binding). 1849.  Toning in margins, some chipping, creasing, waterstains and minor soiling.  This print is extremely unusual because it lacks the tinted background typical of octavo quads.  The only prints we have found in a tintless state prior to this one are the Nagel & Weingaertner states of Plates IV and V. The Bowen versions of all quads have a tinted background. $475.

Plate 375. American Flamingo (partially colored).  This print has a tint, and is typical of a later Octavo edition print except for the incomplete coloring.  The water and foreground are colored, the mountains and island are uncolored.  The flamingo is uncolored except for the top portion of the front  leg (which is painted with pink watercolor). This plate has a little bit of watercolor on the back that suggests that the print was placed on top of something that was painted.  Probably never bound, the print dimensions are 11 inches x 6-3/4 inches. SOLD

424 Brown Pelican (Young) - rare uncolored later edition octavo print with tinted background -- full margins, never bound. 1850s-70s. SOLD

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