182

Regiomontanus [aka] Johannes Müller von Königsberg (1436-1476)

Ephemerides.

Venice: Erhard Ratdolt, 4 April 1484.
Quarto, 320 of 332 leaves (lacking the first leaf with the Tabula Regionum, and 11 blanks); otherwise complete; some leaves dusty, limited spotting and water spots; one small section of leaves with a marginal gouge; bound in later full sponge-decorated calf, rebacked, boards rubbed; contents generally quite fresh, seemingly untrimmed, with many deckle edges, 8 1/2 x 6 1/4 in.

This rare early Ephemerides covers the years 1484 through 1506. Ratdolt first printed Regiomontanus's work in 1481. That particular imprint has only appeared at auction once, also from the Gingerich collection, and consisted of only 42 leaves of 364. The only other copy of this 1484 edition in the auction record was also incomplete, lacking 100 leaves. Copies from the 1490s show up with a little more regularity, but also generally suffer from incompleteness. As the printers learned the format, they eased into a better formula that wasted less paper. The 1480s editions were printed with one blank per signature of 14 leaves. By the 1490s, they had figured out how to eliminate the blank, and used all 14 leaves per signature.

Goff R107; HC(Add) 13791*; Klebs 839.5; Redgr 41; Pell Ms 8245 (8171); Polain(B) 2791; IDL 3891; IBE 3267; IGI 5320; IBP 4702; Kotvan 1010; Sajó-Soltész 2920; SI 3354; Voull(B) 3792; Schmitt I 3792; Schlechter-Ries 1530; Borm 2297; Mittler-Kind 55; Walsh 1822; Hunt 4433; Oates 1756; Pr 4395; BMC V 288; BSB-Ink R-62; GW M37499; ISTC ir00107000.

  • Notes: Ex libris Professor, Astronomer, Historian & Bibliophile Owen Gingerich.
  • Condition: A2-9 (lacking A1-Tabula Regionum & A10 blank), a-z14 (lacking blanks a1, d1, e1, f1, h1, i1, n1, p1, v1 & x1).

    Please contact us to request a condition report:
    Devon Eastland, Senior Specialist: [email protected]
    Grace Meschery-McCormack, Cataloguer: [email protected]


    Please contact the Specialist for the auction to request a condition report.

    Condition reports and additional images are provided as a courtesy and should be used by you to aid in the formation of your own opinion regarding condition. All material is sold subject to Swann's standard Terms and Conditions of Sale as published in our catalogues and posted on our website, and include the following terms: (1) all property is sold "as-is"; and (2) works cannot be returned on the basis of condition.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Upon request, Swann will facilitate the shipping of purchases to out-of-town buyers at an additional charge for packing, shipping and insurance, but will not be responsible for any loss, damage or delay resulting from the packing, handling and shipping thereof. Unless specific instructions are received, Swann is the sole judge of the method to be used for shipment. Packing and shipping costs will be noted on the invoice mailed to successful bidders after the sale, and are based on the actual costs involved. Be advised that a full commercial invoice must accompany any purchase shipped outside the US.

October 23, 2025 10:30 AM EDT
New York, NY, US

Swann Auction Galleries

You agree to pay a buyer’s premium, as outlined below, and any applicable taxes and shipping.
Buyer's Premium
$0 - $100,000:
27.00%
$100,001 - $1,000,000:
22.00%
$1,000,001+:
12.00%

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $149 $10
$150 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $5,999 $200
$6,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 $499,999 $20,000
$500,000 + $50,000