L. McMaken
1-3-12
Cincinnati, OH
A four-volume set of John James Audubon books, “The Birds of America“, known as the “Duke of Portland” set was just sold at Christie’s auction for $7.9 million. The set, previously owned by William Henry Cavendish Cavendish-Scott-Bentinck who was the 4th Duke of Portland. According to book experts there were only 200 complete sets produced during 11-years – they can account for only 120 sets that are currently owned by private collectors and museums.
The set consists of 4-volumes, containing 435 “hand-colored engravings“. The auction price is the 3rd highest ever offered for a book in Christie’s history. It was sold to an American collector.
