DAY 1: Historical, Medical, Scientific, Rare Books & Native American, DAY 2: American, European, Modern & Jewelry
Wed, Feb 11, 2026 09:00AM EST
Live Auction
Lot 305
Archive of Early Hand Bound Opera Scores Puccini Autograph
Estimate: $500 - $1,000
Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $0 | $25 |
| $200 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $200 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
| $1,000,000 | $50,000 |
An interesting archive of 63 early operatic scores, 48 of which were hand bound by one Max Klein, who fled Nazi Germany and came to NYC in the 1930's. One of the scores, Mme. Butterfly is inscribed by Puccini "A Iva Maesta(?) La Regina Elena. reverence omaggiio (mark) Giacamo Puccini Milano 5.2.04" The Regina Elena may refer to Elena of Montenegro, The Queen of Italy (1900-1946). Another score "Norma" by Bellini has Klein's autograph from Berlin, as well as his stamp from New York (both occur twice in the volume).
Klein was not a professional binder, but his labor's produced an archive of "folk art bindings" that have great merit, especially as they fit into the time period of the rise of Adolf Hitler. The artwork adorning the spines and covers captures completely that period of turbulent years leading up to Hilter's reign of terror.
The archive also contains 15 other opera scores owned by the consignor, in various conditions, mosty well used.
Condition
The main archive of 48 hand bound volumes are in good-very good condition. It is clear they have been well used. As amateur works, he used materials that he could find. Marvelous hand blocked papers for covers and end sheets, and faux leather for the cases. One "mistake" that now lends to the overall quaintness of the bindings is that in many volumes he first glued the pastedowns to the covers, and then added the faux leather spine and corners on top on the pastedowns.
Shipping/Pickup
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