Wolffheim – (Musical Library of Dr. Werner Wolffheim, Sale of the). 4032 lots. Each 2 text + plate parts in 2 vols. Berlin, Breslauer/Liepmannssohn, 1928/29. Large 8vo. 3 unnumb. ll. titles, 287 pp., 2 ll. estimates, 1 l. title + contents (plates); 3 unnumb. ll. titles, 576 pp., 3 ll. estimates, 1 l. title + contents (plates). With

numerous  partly  full-page  (12 color)  illustrations  on  89  plate  pages .

Dark green contemp. h. cloth with cloth corners and gilt back title with linings as well as 4 orig. front + 2 back wrappers bound with.

Löffler-Kirchner III, 596; Philobiblon I, 1928, p. 16. – With written results throughout, in vol. I in larger pencil, in II in clean small ink writing. – With bibliographical index of the reference works used. – The front wrapper of vol. I bound with torn in below for 5.5 cm at the board (repaired), estimate list of vol. II misprinted in itself in view of page numbers and with minimal lateral damage of the front cover. – Fine copy.

“ The most precious collection of musical books of any kind which ever was on the market … The reputation of this famous library and its owner (1877-1930) who continued Eitner’s source dictionary together with … Hermann Springer and Max Schneider is that firm even out of musical science that we may save ourselves to refer especially to the single preciousnesses … The most important collection of equal kind that was offered before that of Wolffheim was the one of F. J. Fétis (1784-1871) … (which came) into the possession of the Belgian state. His catalogue (1877) is still today one of the most important advisors and a bibliographical source work of quality. If one compares the resources of the Wolffheim library with the contents of Fétis’ catalogue, so the Wolffheim library may be attributed word for word the same fame that was stated by the author of the Fétis catalogue … in the foreword …

In the first part (of the sale) the division of  30  printed  tablatures  downright stirred a sensation … But now comes a magnificent and unique addition worthy of that division, that is a collection of  tablatures  in  writing  which comprises 34 numbers. Such a rich stock of these precious and exceedingly rare literature has never been united in private possession … (and only few public libraries compare with. ” [Wolffheim had compiled a “Short Index of Tablature Prints” for Martin Breslauer to Dec. 16, 1921, and had it published in 20 copies as private edition printed on the hand-press of the Officina Serpentis.])

(From the preliminary notes of the auctioneer.) – Correspondingly Löffler-Kirchner 1937:

“ … musical historian and bibliophile in Berlin, possessed a splendid collection of musical books … many rarities, precious manuscripts, which was equal to that of Fétis (see this); it was sold for 600,000 mark in 1928-29 … ”.

Its bibliographically excellently worked, indispensable catalogue present here moreover – not least thanks to its binding – in an adequately well-preserved copy.

Offer no. 14,672 / EUR  335. / Export price EUR  318. (c. US$ 513.) + shipping