Huge Antique History New York City Two Volume Book 1884 Lossing Author Signed Limited Ed 11/250

Up for sale is this incredibly rare two volume set of The History Of New York City by Benson Lawson. This is number 11 of a limited edition of 250 published in 1884 and signed by both Lossing the author and Perrine the engraver. These are oversized volumes, measuring about 16 1/2” x 13” and weighing over 22 pounds each. I could not find a reference to another existing copy, never mind an example up for sale, but I am neither a rare book collector or dealer. The condition is somewhat rough, these will need cleaning, restoration and conservation. Volume two has considerable loss and chipping around the cover edges. Both have staining, something must have spilled in them long ago and it has a texture to it so it’s not water stains. It effects the first 40 numbered pages of volume 2 along with the front pieces, getting smaller as it progresses inward, there is additional smaller stains at the top of the back pages. The staining also effects all the front pieces and first 7 numbered pages of volume 1 and there is some tears and loss in those front pieces, there is large staining in the top corners toward the final 30 pages. There are some pages coming loose, some torn & missing dividing sheets, some additional soiling and wear.