Greek Bible brings remarkable 2233% increase against estimate

A Greek Bible excerpt made a surprising $28,000 in a New York sale yesterday (April 12, 2012)

A fine books sale in New York yesterday saw two leaves from a Bible written in Greek sell for $28,000 and $22,000 respectively.

Greek Bible circa. 1000 AD

The two portions, printed on vellum leaf, contain text from Philipians and Ephesians written in small formal miniscule. They are believed to have been created around 1000 AD in the Eastern Mediterranean. In poor condition, both examples have numerous holes stains and tears.

It was the worse of the two however, with a substantial amount of text missing, which brought the larger sum of $28,000, making an impressive 2233% on its estimate of just $800-$1200.

The auction saw numerous books exceeding their estimates by a significant margin. A first edition of Jean-Baptist Du Halde's Description Géographique, Historique, Chronologique, Politique, et Physique de l'Empire de la Chine made $26,000 against a high estimate of $12,000.

Despite the unimaginative title, the book made an impressive 116.6% increase. At the time, it was considered the most comprehensive European work on China, published in 1735.

Salvador Dali's Memories of Surrealism made $14,500 at the New York auction. This copy, numbered 36 of only 40, was signed by Dali on the title page and all plates in the folio. It contains 12 colour etchings with photolithograph.

Here at Paul Fraser Collectibles, we have our own collection of unique rare books and manuscripts for sale, such as this signed copy of Virginia Woolf's Orlando. For Dali lovers, we have an original autographed drawing from the charismatic artist.

Recent and related articles

·  Jean-Baptiste's 'master book on China' could bring $32,925 in Paris sale | 7 March 2012

·  Large and rare petition manuscript signed by King Henry VIII (1491-1547) (PF378) | 6 March 2012

·  Important clockmaker John Harrison's manuscript brings five-times estimate | 28 February 2012

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Images: Swann Auction Galleries