Bound in recent times as six volumes in elaborately gilt crushed scarlet morocco, a 1614-17 Prague first of a major commentary on the Mishnah by Rabbi Yom Tov Lipmann Heller (1579-1654), left, was a highlight of a recent New York sale of Judaica.
Part of a March 8 sale held by Kestenbaum (25/20% buyer’s premium), it was browned and stained and also had several leaves restored, but complete copies are of the greatest rarity. It sold at $160,000 (£115,940).