Bidspirit auction | A Magnificent Binding of Sefer

A Magnificent Binding of Sefer HaTashbetz. Amsterdam, 1738–1741. First Edition of a Foundational Work. A Distinguished Copy Attributed to the Family of the Chacham Tzvi - Sefer HaTashbetz, one of the most important halachic works, containing over nine hundred responsa authored by Rabbi Shimon bar Tzemach Duran — among the greatest rabbis of Algeria. Four parts bound in one volume, with separate title pages for Chut HaMeshulash (four title pages in total). First edition. Amsterdam, 1738–1741. It is sometimes mistakenly claimed that the splendid binding is made of fish skin; however, this is in fact a vellum binding of animal parchment, impressed with striking geometric designs and further hand-painted by a skilled artisan — which explains why no two bindings are identical. Rabbi Rachamim, son of Rabbi Chaim Palagi, writes in his work Yafeh LaLev: “I heard concerning the great rabbi, the Rashbatz, that he merited to have his great responsa work called Tashbetz printed and bound in a beautiful manner — unparalleled — because he was careful to spread a fine and distinguished cloth over the books that were open before him for study.” Various title-page variants exist for this edition. The present copy contains the uncommon variant in which the first title page is dated 1741 and features different illustrations than usual. As noted in the Bibliographical Enterprise: “The first title page, dated ‘This is the Torah which Moses placed before the Children of Israel’ [1741], and instead of the two lions appearing on the standard first title page, here there are illustrations of Moses and Aaron, Solomon and David.” In these copies, only the first title page and the three title pages of the fourth part are present. (See: N. Ben-Menachem, Besod Sefarim, Sinai, vol. 16; D. and G. Yardeni, The Printing Order of the Tashbetz, Alei Sefer, vol. 10.) A distinguished copy. On the upper portion of the title page appears the ownership signature: “HaK’ Shlomo b’HaGaon HaMofetz… n” — Rabbi Shlomo Hirschell, Av Beit Din of London. In fine square script he wrote: “I have brought your gift — Shlomo ben Tzvi.” On the leaf preceding the title page is written: “From Hashem this has come to me — HaK’ Meir Huizen.” [11], 91; 69, [1]; 68, [1]; [1], 101, [1] leaves. 31 cm. Stefansky, Sifrei Yesod 270. Very good condition. Minor age staining. Spectacular original binding.