Jules Verne - Mathias Sandorf, Kéraban le Têtu et L'Étoile du Sud - 1884

Jules Verne – Three old Hetzel illustrated volumes – 19th century – Provenance Wilhelm Bauer, automobile pioneer

Set of three old Jules Verne works, published by the Parisian house Hetzel in the 19th century, belonging to a collection attributed to Wilhelm Bauer (1865–1900), German automobile pilot and pioneer of competition at Daimler.

This set brings together three great classics of The Extraordinary Voyages, in beautiful antique bindings with spines adorned with gilding, accompanied by numerous period engravings.

The three works

1. The Southern Star (The Land of Diamonds) followed by The Archipelago on Fire

Paris, J. Hetzel et Cie, 19th century.

Volume bringing together two Jules Verne novels, illustrated notably by Léon Benett. The title page lists 112 drawings and two maps.

Brown half-calf binding with raised bands, marbled boards, titles and toothing gilded on the spine. Initials “W. B.” gilded at the base of the spine.

2. Mathias Sandorf – 1885

Paris, J. Hetzel, publisher, 18 rue Jacob, 1885.

Early illustrated edition of this famous adventure novel published in 1885. Numerous engravings in the text and as plates.

Brown half-calf binding with raised bands, marbled boards, spine adorned with gilded fillets. Initials “W. B.” gilded at the base of the spine.

Title page bearing an old library stamp.

3. Keraban the Stubborn

Paris, J. Hetzel et Cie, 19th century.

Illustrated edition with 101 drawings and a map announced on the title page, with fine compositions by Léon Benett.

Dark green antique binding with gold decoration, spine with raised bands, framing and ornamental motifs.

A remarkable historical provenance

According to provenance information associated with this set, these volumes would have belonged to Wilhelm Bauer (1865–1900), German automobile pilot connected with Daimler and a figure of the early years of automobile competition.

Bauer participated in major automotive events of the late 19th century, notably on the Côte d’Azur, before dying in an accident during the Nice–La Turbie race in 1900.

Two volumes bear gilded initials “W. B.” at the bottom of their spines, a feature compatible with this attribution.

This provenance is noted for historical purposes, with no authentication certificate or ownership document presented.

Condition

Set in satisfactory antique condition, with an authentic 19th-century patina.

Bindings with rubbing, corner wear, headcaps and joints. Browning, darkening, and time traces on the pages. Engravings clearly legible and generally well preserved in photographs.

The volumes are offered in their current state, with the particularities and flaws visible in the photographs. The completeness of the maps and illustrations remains to be verified.

A characterful set, at the crossroads of Jules Verne’s literature, early bibliophilia, and the history of automobile pioneers.

Sale of the three volumes as a single lot.