Lot 2929

Audubon, Havell Ed - Field Sparrow. 139 (Framed)

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Audubon, Havell Ed - Field Sparrow. 139 (Framed)

Estimate: $5,000 - $10,000

Starting Bid: $1,000

(0 Bids)

by Trillium Antique Prints & Rare Books
August 8, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
115 Hampsted Lane
Franklin, TN, US 37069

This stunning, double elephant folio engraving is from true first edition of John James Audubon's Birds of America. The work was published by Audubon between 1827 and 1838. This edition is commonly referred to as the Havell Edition.

The magnificent hand-colored etched plate was done by line-engraving and aquatint. These were produced by Robert Havell and Robert Havell, Jr. of London and W. H. Lizars of Edinburgh. These were done after the original live-size watercolors by Audubon. The engraving is on J. Whatman woven paper, photograph in the listing.

The Havell edition of Birds of America is considered the greatest color plate book ever made. It was an expensive undertaking resulting in only about 165 to 175 complete sets produced, with far less loose on the market as many of the complete sets are preserved in museums.

John James Audubon (1785-1851) is perhaps the most famous of early American naturalists. Birds of America is one of the best examples of hand-colored work in America and is highly collectible.

This engraving is sold framed. It was framed by Douglas Kenyon in Chicago. Acid Free / Museum board / UV Plexiglass. The engraving has been checked for the watermark which is present dating 1832.

Provenance: Property from the estate collection of a Ann Arbor, MI private collector.

  • Dimensions: Paper ~ 25 1/4" by 37"; Image ~ 12 1/4" by 19 1/2"; Frame ~ 31 3/4 by 41 3/4”
  • Literature: Birds of America
  • Medium: Originally Hand-colored, Double Elephant Folio Engraving on J. Whatman Woven Paper
  • Circa: 1827-1838
  • Condition: The work is in very good to excellent condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections to be expected with age. Please review the image carefully for condition and contact us with any questions. - This item is sold framed and will need more shipping coverage to send. Please inquire if you'd like an estimate with your zip code / destination country. This particular item is sold framed. We disassembled it upon receipt to inspect the image, but unfortunately, we did not capture a photograph of the complete image and it is now sealed within the frame. The watermark was visible as depicted in the attached image. The image exhibited a slightly more pronounced toning and scattered foxing compared to the other two Havells available for auction this weekend. The watermark image reveals the presence of toning and foxing, but the backlighting caused the toning to appear darker.

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Bid Increments
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