Dating from approximately 1879, the books have matching bindings and edition pages featuring a facsimile of Charles Dickens’s signature. They contain black-and-white illustrations and period publisher’s advertisements.

The books have an attractive, genuinely aged appearance, with faded decorative bindings, gilt spine lettering and varying degrees of wear. They would make an interesting collection for a Dickens reader, collector of Victorian literature or buyer seeking authentic antique books for display.

This is a mixed-condition collection. Four volumes have substantial damage, while the remaining books are generally complete, readable and in ordinarily used antique condition.

The complete collection shown in the photographs is included and is being sold together as one lot

Measurements

14cm length

18.5cm height

Depths differ

Combined weight 7.9kg

Condition

Mixed antique condition.

Most volumes show normal wear associated with books approximately 145 years old, including rubbing and fading to the bindings, bumped and worn corners, marks, foxing, page tanning and occasional creasing. The bindings vary in firmness, but most of the collection remains complete and readable.

Four volumes are in notably poor condition, with more substantial faults including loose or detached pages, torn pages, weakened or separated bindings and heavier external wear. The worst affected volumes and the principal areas of damage are shown in the photographs.

Because this is a sizeable collection and listing photographs are limited, it has not been possible to show every minor mark, spot of foxing or small sign of age individually. Buyers should expect general antique wear throughout, but the significant damage is concentrated mainly in the four poorer volumes shown.

The collection is offered as an antique reading and decorative set rather than a fine-condition collector’s set. Please examine all photographs carefully.