Belgium, Netherlands & Luxembourg. Van Loon, G. Histoire métallique des XVII provinces des Pays-Bas, depuis l’abdication de Charles-Quint, jusqu’à la Paix de Bade en MDCCXVI. La Haye; P. Gosse, J. Neaulme. & P. de Hondt, 1732–37. Complete in five volumes. Folio, pp. finely engraved title by Jan Goeree in the first volume; all five titles printed in red and black with finely engraved vignettes, (30), 559, (1); (2), 541, (1); (2) 454; (2), 467, (1); (2), 444 pages; copiously illustrated throughout with fine engravings of medals, further engraved headpieces, tailpieces and initials throughout the text. All five volumes in full, contemporary mottled calf, raised bands, the endpapers and all edges marbled. The upper boards of each volume gilt stamped with the coat of arms and motto (“Non Degenero”) of Ercole Turinetti, Marchese of Priero (1717–1881), with aged library labels affixed to the spines. Also from the library of Arrigo Donati with his ex-libris on the front pastedown of each volume. A little rubbed and worn at the extremities, the boards slightly chipped with some loss but internally clean and bright. An almost fine set of the preferred French edition of this magnificent classic work, first published in Dutch between 1723 and 1731 and still the standard reference on historical medals issued from 1556 to 1716. Essential and seldom offered. (5)
Clain-Stefanelli 14855*. Cumont 2086. Engel et Serrure 4341. Grierson p. 265. Lipsius p. 235.