[SHERLOCK HOLMES]. DOYLE, Sir Arthur Conan (1859-1930). The Sign of Four. London: Spencer Blackett, 1890. 8vo. Illustrated with frontispiece by Charles Kerr, with tissue guard. [iv], 1-283, [1, blank] pp. Publisher's full burgundy cloth, front board and spine stamped black and gilt, rear board stamped in black, black coated endleaves. FIRST EDITION, SECOND ISSUE OF THE RARE SECOND SHERLOCK HOLMES NOVEL. In the second issue binding with "Griffith Farran & Cos." on bottom of spine, and with the called-for misprints "13" on Contents page and "w shed" on p. 56. Bound without the rear ads.

Spine a bit toned, a half-inch tear at headcap, faint occasional soiling to rear board, hinges just starting, minor occasional wear to rear endleaves, several gutters overopened or starting, some offsetting to the title-page from the tissue guard, skewed. Previous owner's ("E. P. Barker / 189[?]") ink signature on ffep. Very good, better than usually seen. Housed in chemise and quarter red morocco slipcase.