TYPES SPECIMENS. FIGGINS (V. & J.). Epitome of Specimens by V. & J. Figgins, 17 & 18, West Street, Smithfield, London.1863

[London: V. & J. Figgins, Folio (440 x 270 mm), title followed by 111 leaves printed on one side only, 7 leaves with small area excised, 1 leaf torn in half with remaining portion loosely inserted, 1 leaf torn across centre, title-page printed with elaborate wood-engraved decorative border, some light fraying to blank margins of several leaves, orig. half calf, re-cased, title stamped in gilt on upper cover, corners rubbed. Figgins had issued specimens as early as 1792, but these were in small pamphlet form. By the 1820s they were issuing specimens in a 8vo book form, these were followed by quarto specimens in the early 1840s. "The Quarto Specimen Book was supplemented in 1847 by the 'Epitome of Specimens,' which contains a selection of antiques, blacks, and jobbing types, with flowers, borders, and ornaments, the book and news founts being shown in small paragraphs."—Bigmore & Wyman. This book was continually added to until 1871, when it became too large and heavy for the post, thereafter the specimens issued by Figgins were issued in a smaller condensed form. All edition of this folio specimen are rare. Bigmore & Wyman I p. 218; Gray, p. 185.