Rare book: Schluss-Apotheose der Kaiser—Ouverture fúr grosses Orchester (u. Mánnerchor ad libitum) componirt und Sr.Ap.Majestát dem Kaiser u. Kónig Franz Josef I. Vienna: Friedrich Schreiber, 1873. Hardcover, 14 x 17.5, containing an impressive chromolithographic title page, three chromolithographic illustration plates of costumes and landscapes, and fourteen plates of Westmeyer's musical score, each within a different chromolithographic border. Contemporary Viennese binding of black morocco gilt, by Fr. Rosenberg upper cover central metal inlay of the coat-of-arms of Austria and the insignia of the Order of the Garter surmounted by the royal crown. Spine in six compartments bordered in gold; wide gilt-stamped cover borders and simple fillets. All edges gilt. Blue silk end papers and gilt ornamental inner dentelle. In very good to fine condition.
A very few of the small number of copies printed were presented as personal gifts of the emperor to the highest dignitaries, for whom the Viennese bookbinder Franz Felix Rosenberg manufactured elaborate, customized bindings with the insignia of the recipients—this splendid work with royal arms of the United Kingdom, was bound for royal presentation.
