Noblesse

Sm. folio, First and Sole Edition, with copper-engraved illustrated title and 62 fine copper-engraved plates showing 372 coats of arms, some mild age-staining (mainly marginal) and a few leaves with inoffensive worming in lower blank margin; publisher's boards, cloth back, very neatly recased, new paper label, a very good, relatively clean copy. This copy is complete with all plates; it has been bound without the introduction and list of subscribers that are sometimes present.This very scarce work is generally attributed (including Halkett & Laing) to Sir George Nayler, Garter King-at-Arms, but DNB states 'it was in reality the work of one Ames, an engraver at Bristol', an opinion shared by Moule. Anderson adds that the arms are taken 'chiefly from Atkyns's and Rudder's histories'.The title-vignette shows Time as an angel supporting the ancient arms of the City of Gloucester with the cathedral in the distance.Anderson p.106; Austin 12084; Moule DCXCII (p.469); Upcott Gloucestershire VIII (p.264).