LILFORD, Thomas Littleton Powys, 4th Baron (1833-96). Coloured Figures of the Birds of the British Islands. London: R. H. Porter, [?]1885-97. 7 volumes, large 8vo (248 x 170mm). Photogravure portrait of Lord Lilford with facsimile signature, 420 hand-coloured and chromolithographed plates by Archibald Thorburn, J. G. Keulemans and others, only (of 421), but the missing plate ("Sand-Martin" in vol. II) supplied as a FINE ORIGINAL WATERCOLOUR by an unknown hand, bound in sequence, the plates mounted on linen hinges throughout (variable mainly marginal spotting and staining throughout, with some more pronounced staining to vol. VI). FINELY BOUND in contemporary red half morocco gilt by R. H. Porter, the spines elaborately gilt in six compartments, top edges gilt, others uncut (extremities very lightly rubbed, some dampstaining to the covers of vols. VI and VII [see illustration]). The original watercolour of the Sand-Martin, which replaces the missing plate in volume II, is of fine quality and could be mistaken for one of the original lithographed illustrations. It is unsigned, although in the manner of J. G. Keulemans, who provided the original: please see the first catalogue illustration. A printed note in each volume, titled "Collation of Editions", states: "This Work was issued in two Editions: the First commenced October 1885, and the second April 1891, both Editions ending simultaneously." [?]Mixed editions, with the imprint of R. H. Porter and the title pages of each volume dated "1885-1897". Anker 308; Freeman 2244; Mullens & Swann 354; Nissen IVB 563: "... perhaps the finest and most perfect ornithological iconography ..."; Sitwell Fine Bird Books 1700-1900 p.91; Wood 436; Zimmer p.399. (7)
