[Conchiology]. Dezallier d'Argenville, Antoine Joseph. L'Histoire Naturelle eclaircie dans deux de ses parties principales, la Lithologie et la Conchyliologie. Paris, De Bure, 1742. In 4° (305 x 223 mm); 2 parts in 1 volume; [8], 491, [1] pages. Frontispiece printed in red and black, 33 copper-engraved plates including the frontispiece (minor flaws and restorations.) Coeval half-leather binding with corners, gilt title to spine (text block divided). Exemplar with beards of this first edition. Significant work of natural history divided into two parts, with fine illustrative system designed by Boucher and engraved by Quentin Pierre Chedel. The first part is devoted to lithology while the second to shellology.

Composed of several subsidiaries, the Drouot Group is a major player in the art market. Hôtel Drouot, located in the heart of Paris, has been the world's largest public auction center since 1852. 15 salerooms are available to more than 70 auction houses. The emulation generated by an annual offer of 230,000 artworks from 21 major specialities - from Antiquity to street art - attracts some 3,000 visitors every day. The Group's digital platform, Drouot.com, offers digital sales - Live auctions (live broadcasting and participation in auctions), Online-only auctions (dematerialised auctions) and Buy Now sales (sales of lots at fixed prices). Nearly 2 million items are offered annually by 600 auction houses. Auction news is reported every week in La Gazette Drouot, the leading weekly magazine for the art market and culture published by Auctionspress.