Definitive Edition, Number 11 of 15 sets. 60 Volumes.  With ALS and ANS tipped in. New York:  R. G. Newbegin, 1902. Complete in 60 volumes. Large 8vo. Full crushed crimson morocco, richly gilt with elaborate vignettes to covers in gilt with indigo morocco onlays, richly gilt tooled dentelles and spines, in compartments, elaborate crimson and green morocco doublures with 3 color onlays, green moiré silk free endpages, all edges gilt. Illustrated throughout with hundreds of engraved or wood-cut plates on india proof paper, mounted, extra-illustrated with approximately 200 hand finished watercolor prints signed variously “Kyd” or “H. Green”  of characters from the books and  over a dozen pen and ink watercolors several signed “S”, all with tissue guards.  Generally in exceptional, fine condition. A professional repair to the upper joint of volume 1, dampstaining to prelims of a couple of volumes, not affecting text or plates.  

Exceptionally this set has two pieces signed by Dickens mounted to volume 1. The first being a check for 5 pounds  made out to “Self”. London: 13 October 1864, accomplished and signed in full by Dickens. Also inserted is an ALS Autographed Letter Signed. 3 pages on 4, London: Household Ward’s Office, 7 August 1857. Addressed to Lord Cockburn, on mourning stationary Dickens writes a heartfelt and sincere letter of condolences on a friend’s passing. 

While we have found 2 recent auction records (both sold), and one retail set available, none of these have had signed material by Dickens included.

The ultimate signed collection of Charles Dickens works in a spectacular binding, exceedingly rare.