![[GWINNETT, Button (1735-1777).] FIELDING, Henry. The Journal of a Voyage to Lisbon...London: A. Millar, 1755. 12° (6 ¼ x 3 5/8 in). Half-title, device of Mercury on titlepage, woodcut capitol letters. (Scattered soiling). (Contemporary speckled calf, rebacked, new end leaves).](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2015/NYR/2015_NYR_11610_0035_000(gwinnett_button_fielding_henry_the_journal_of_a_voyage_to_lisbonlondon101814).jpg?w=1)
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[GWINNETT, Button (1735-1777).] FIELDING, Henry. The Journal of a Voyage to Lisbon...London: A. Millar, 1755. 12° (6 ¼ x 3 5/8 in). Half-title, device of Mercury on titlepage, woodcut capitol letters. (Scattered soiling). (Contemporary speckled calf, rebacked, new end leaves).
A GIFT FROM THE RAREST SIGNER: BUTTON GWINNETT
A volume from Gwinnett’s library, with a bold ink inscription on front flyleaf, recording its gift: “Present from Buttn. Gwinnett Esq. of St. Catherine Island Georgia to William Lewis, Oct. 27th 1774.”
It is well-known that Gwinnett’s signature is of singular rarity among those 56 individuals who signed the Declaration of Independence. These have been documented by Dr. Joseph Fields in his article, “The Known Signatures of Button Gwinnett,” The New Colophon, New York, 1950, Vol.3, Pp.132-145). Given the increasing rarity of Gwinnett signatures, collectors have found it necessary to substitute other types of articles, like the present, classic novel presented by Gwinnett to a friend, who has marked the occasion with an inscription in the volume. Provenance: William Lewis, inscription – Unnamed consignor (Walpole Galleries, 12 January 1925 – Unnamed consignor (Parke-Bernet, 16 May 1967, lot 14) – Unnamed consignor (sale, Greg Manning Galleries, 22 November 1997, lot 1003) -- Charles E. Sigety.
A GIFT FROM THE RAREST SIGNER: BUTTON GWINNETT
A volume from Gwinnett’s library, with a bold ink inscription on front flyleaf, recording its gift: “Present from Buttn. Gwinnett Esq. of St. Catherine Island Georgia to William Lewis, Oct. 27th 1774.”
It is well-known that Gwinnett’s signature is of singular rarity among those 56 individuals who signed the Declaration of Independence. These have been documented by Dr. Joseph Fields in his article, “The Known Signatures of Button Gwinnett,” The New Colophon, New York, 1950, Vol.3, Pp.132-145). Given the increasing rarity of Gwinnett signatures, collectors have found it necessary to substitute other types of articles, like the present, classic novel presented by Gwinnett to a friend, who has marked the occasion with an inscription in the volume. Provenance: William Lewis, inscription – Unnamed consignor (Walpole Galleries, 12 January 1925 – Unnamed consignor (Parke-Bernet, 16 May 1967, lot 14) – Unnamed consignor (sale, Greg Manning Galleries, 22 November 1997, lot 1003) -- Charles E. Sigety.