Description
Catalogue of the First [-Fourth] portion of the extensive and valuable library. Sotheby, WIlkinson, & Hodge, 1879-80, large paper copies, with sale prices and reviews; Catalogue of the select cabinet of rare old coins... articles of virtu, and three others cabinets of coins, [to] be sold by Messrs. T. Chapman & Son, 1879; Catalogue of old engravings & etchings, [to] be sold by Messrs. T. Chapman & Son, 1879; Catalogue of the collection of rare and curious drawings [to] be sold by Messrs. T. Chapman & Son, 1879; Catalogue of old engravings, [to] be sold by Messrs. T. Chapman & Son, 1880; Catalogue of a collection of prints... Sotheby, 1880, 8vo, original wrappers for library parts bound in, green half morocco gilt, uncut, t.e.g.; compiled for John Alexander Smith, F.S.A.
Footnote
Note: John Alexander Smith was a friend of Laing's - a fellow FSA Scot. He was named by Laing in his will as an executor, but declined the honour. In a letter to Smith tipped in at the beginning, Auld & Macdonald, Writers to the Signet, note "The second sale has been a disappointment so far. Monday's sale only realized £96, and y'days £142, while we had been looking for £250 a day. If it goes on in this way the dealers must make largely out of it"