A first edition by C Thomas, dated 1730

A $20k astronomy book in time for Christmas?

German firm Ketterer Kunst is among the auctioneers offering post-auction collectibles

'Tis the season of post auction buys in the days leading up to Christmas, including at the German auction house Ketterer Kunst.

Among the leading sales is 'Mercurii philosophici firmamentum descriptionem et usum globi artificialis coelestis, ac asterismos ejusdem ad ineuntem annum' from 1730, by C Thomas.

The first edition by the renowned Salzburg astronomer features an extraordinary celestial atlas, divided into 54 cards, and a large map of the Moon in two hemispheres by Johannes Hevelius.

'Mercurii philosophici firmamentum descriptionem et usum globi artificialis coelestis, ac asterismos ejusdem ad ineuntem annum,' from 1730

Also included in the book are globes, compasses, charts, a map of Salzburg, and a decorative star atlas signed by the author.

This first edition, dedicated copy by the author is available to collectors priced at €14,000 ($20,020).

Despite slight rubbing and renewal on the binding, the item is a must-see if you a rare book collector with an interest in astronomical works.

The unique work is priced €14,000 ($20,020)

Ketterer Kunst has carved itself a niche in rare and first edition scientific books, with its final sale of 2009 netting a recession-defying €1.2m.

"This shows that Rare Books - a section that has been well established for years with solid sales figures - stands the test of even economically challenging times," said Robert Ketterer, auctioneer and owner of Ketterer Kunst, in a statement.

The sale included the Hamburg auctioneer's biggest sale of the year: Phytanthoza-Iconographia, by Johann W Weinmann.

The lavishly made Baroque book, featuring more than 1,000 colour-engraved plates of plants and flowers, sold well above its calling price of €40,000, eventually bringing a remarkable €56,000.

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Images: Ketterer Kunst