Venice: Johannes and Gregorius de Gregoriis, de Forlivio, 1497-(1498). Two parts in one volume. Folio, 13 1/2 x 8 7/8 in. (343 x 225 mm). 394 (of 845) leaves: *6, *6, a–c8, d10, e8, f6, g-h10, i8, k6, l–u8, x-y6; A–R8, S10, T–Z6, AA-BB8, CC6. Edited by Bernardinus Gadolus. Roman and gothic type, in 60 lines, plus headline; with woodcut initials and woodcut historiated initials. A fine late 19th-century binding by noted forger Théodore Hagué, bound in the style of a 16th-century deluxe Papal binding, in full brown calf over oak boards, elaborately stamped in gilt with a rich interlaced and arabesque design, painted in white, red, blue, pink, and yellow; arms of 16th-century Pope Paul IV at center of front and rear boards: eight silver bosses; four heart-shaped painted enamel miniatures on clasp hardware, each showing a figure of the prophets; patterned gauffered gilt and blue edges; straps perished; scattered rubbing and small chipping to painted calf; extremities and spine rubbed and with small chips; raised bands worn at front joint; white paint on arms oxidized; small tape repair in top edge of first text leaf; scattered marginalia. ISTC ih00160000; Goff H160; H 8581*; Bod-Inc: H-080; Sheppard 3910; Pr 4558; BMC V 350; BSB-Ink H-259; GW 12419

A fine and rare Théodore Hagué binding, imitating a deluxe
Papal 16th century Italian-style binding. Hagué (1822-91) is considered "the most notorious forger of fine early modern bindings" (Folger), and is remembered for his elaborate and finely bound royal-style bindings, such as this. Briefly employed by Zaehnsdorf, and the Duke d’Aumale, Hagué began forging bindings in the 1860s. Beginning in 1875, under the identity of dealer J. Caulin, Hagué began selling his elaborate bindings, many of which were purchased by London bookseller Bernard Quaritch. Quaritch then sold several to wealthy London merchant John Blacker. By the late 1880s the ruse was discovered, but not after Blacker had spent over £36,000 collecting these specimens. Following Blacker's death, his son, Carlos, sold 110 of these bindings at Sotheby's in 1897. This book was lot 53 in that sale, and was purchased by London bookseller James Tregaskis.

Despite the above, today these Hagué bindings are quite scarce and are prized for their beauty and craftsmanship.