It’s among the world’s great art trophies: an original copy of John James Audubon’s “Birds of America.” Only about half of the original 200 copies still exist; just 11 are in private hands. When Sotheby’s London offers the book on December 7th, it’s expected to sell for $6.2-$9.3 million.
The four-volume set comes from the estate of the late Lord Hesketh, whose collection Sotheby’s is selling. Featuring 435 hand-colored bird illustrations, the book is considered to be in excellent condition and has stirred up heady expectations. Hedge-fund billionaires, a Wal-Mart heiress, along with a variety of Russian and Japanese collectors are expected to join in the chase for one of the book world’s ultimate status symbols.
Read more at The Wall Street Journal.
