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an old book with a picture of a man holding a swordan old book sitting on top of a white surface
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1499 - Geology – Metallurgy
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Estimate €700 - €900
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Geology – Metallurgy Melzer, Christian A mining-related description of the free mining town of Schneeberg, situated in the Churführtl, Saxon Free Region and the Meissen Upper Ore Mountains. With an engraved frontispiece and a woodcut illustration in the text bearing the town seal. Schneebergk, Christian Pfützner, for Sebastian Meißner, 1684. 12 leaves, 788 pp., 20 leaves, 4°, contemporary binding with handwritten title. VD17 3:005385L. – First edition of the significant chronicle of the town and mining history of Schneeberg by the chronicler, vicar and mining historian Christian Meltzer. This comprehensive work deals not only with the origins, topography and administration of the free Electoral Saxon mining town of Schneeberg, but above all with its economic foundation: silver mining in the Upper Ore Mountains. Meltzer describes ore deposits and geological conditions, mines, adits, mining techniques, yields, mining law contracts and privileges, as well as the religious, social and political life of the town. Organised into four parts referred to as ‘sermons’, the chronicle is, according to the author, based on archival sources, registers, letters, deeds and older written records. It is therefore of great documentary value for the history of mining in Saxony, the history of the town of Schneeberg, and the economic and social history of the Ore Mountains from the 15th to the 17th century. The frontispiece features, amongst other things, a small view of Schneeberg in the lower part of the illustration. The work also provides a detailed account of the history of the mining town of Schneeberg, founded in 1470/71 following the first major silver discoveries, its rise in the wake of silver mining in the Upper Ore Mountains, mining and smelting, as well as numerous myths and legends of miners’ lives – including the famous tale of the legendary silver discovery of 1477 at the St. Georg mine, during which, according to tradition, Duke Albrecht the Brave is said to have dined at a table made of pure silver, as well as the legend of the ‘Day of the Miners’ Dispute’ in 1496. Peter Weidenhammer, a native of the Ore Mountains, who, according to Meltzer, is credited with the first production of blue dye in the Ore Mountains around 1520, is also mentioned for the first time in this work. Furthermore, the customs and traditions of the miners are vividly described, such as the singing of the ‘Bergk-Reyhen’ during cistern games in the mines. – A few leaves with minor edge loss, slightly browned. Rare. Geology. - Metallurgy. - With an engraved frontispiece and one woodcut in the text depicting the town seal. Schneebergk, Christian Pfützner, for Sebastian Meißner, 1684. 12 leaves, 788 pp., 20 leaves. 4to. Contemporary limp vellum, with manuscript title on the spine. VD17 3:005385L. - First edition of the important chronicle of the mining town of Schneeberg by the chronicler, clergyman and mining historian Christian Meltzer. This extensive work deals not only with the foundation, topography and administration of the free Electoral Saxon mining town of Schneeberg, but above all with the economic basis of its prosperity: silver mining in the Upper Ore Mountains. Meltzer describes ore deposits and geological conditions, mines, adits, mining techniques, yields, mining contracts and privileges, as well as the town’s religious, social and political life. Divided into four sections termed ‘sermons’, the chronicle is, according to the author, based on archival sources, registers, letters, documents and older written traditions. It is therefore a source of considerable importance for the mining history of Saxony, the urban history of Schneeberg, and the economic and social history of the Ore Mountains from the fifteenth to the seventeenth century. The frontispiece includes, amongst other elements, a small view of Schneeberg in its lower section. The work also provides a detailed account of the history of Schneeberg, the mining town founded in 1470/71 following the first major silver discoveries, its rise through silver mining in the Upper Ore Mountains, its mining and smelting industries, and numerous tales and legends of miners’ lives. These include the celebrated story of the legendary silver discovery of 1477 at the St. Georg mine, where, according to tradition, Duke Albert the Bold is said to have dined at a table made of solid silver, as well as the legend of the ‘Bergstreittag’ of 1496. Peter Weidenhammer, a native of the Ore Mountains, whom Meltzer credits with the first production of blue pigment in the Ore Mountains around 1520, is likewise mentioned here for the first time. The customs and practices of miners are also vividly portrayed, including the singing of ‘Bergk-Reyhen’ during performances on the ‘Zisternspiel’ in the mines. A few leaves with minor marginal loss, very slightly browned. Rare. This lot is subject to standard tax. A 24.95% buyer’s premium is payable on the hammer price, and 7% (Books and Art) or 19% VAT (Manuscripts, Screenprints, Offset Prints, Photographs) is payable on the final invoice amount within the European Union. This lot is subject to the standard tax regime. A 24.95% buyer’s premium applies to the hammer price, and 7% (books and art) or 19% VAT (manuscripts, screen prints, offset prints and photographs) applies to the final invoice amount within the European Union.
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About the sale Valuable books, prints, historical photographs
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Auction time 10/24/2026 at 10:00 AM
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