Set of eight ornithological lithographical plates in the style of Jean-Charles Werner

This item consists of eight individual paper sheets, each featuring a hand-colored or color-printed lithographic illustration of a bird perched on a branch. The prints appear consistent with 19th-century scientific illustrations, specifically from a series such as the 'Atlas des oiseaux d'Europe'. The text on the plates is in French, with headings such as 'Ordre 3.' and 'Insectivores', and specific species names like 'Bergeronnette grise' and 'Traquet tarier'. Several plates bear the printed credit 'Werner del.' (delinavit), which is stylistically consistent with works by natural history artist Jean-Charles Werner, and 'Lith. de Langlume', referring to a known 19th-century Parisian lithographer. The plates are numbered in the upper right corners (ranging from 167 to 179). The paper shows signs of age, including moderate foxing, yellowing, and rough left edges where they appear to have been removed from a bound volume or 'livraison'. The illustrations display fine detail in the plumage and anatomical accuracy typical of scientific studies from the mid-1800s. Identification is based on visible printed signatures and text, but physical inspection would be required to rule out later reproductions or facsimiles.

Based on my visual analysis of the eight lithographic plates, the collection appears to be consistent with 19th-century scientific illustrations, likely from Jean-Charles Werner’s contributions to a series such as the 'Atlas des oiseaux d’Europe'. The prints bear markings consistent with ‘Werner del.’ and ‘Lith. de Langlume’, which were active in Paris during the mid-1800s. I have based this valuation on the assumption that these are period-correct lithographs from an original 19th-century publication. The visible foxing, yellowing, and irregular edges suggest age and a history of being bound in a volume, which collectors of natural history often find desirable for character, though it slightly limits the value compared to pristine examples. I cannot verify from a photo whether these are period strikes or much later high-quality facsimiles, as paper density and watermark evidence would require physical inspection. There is stable market demand for 19th-century ornithological art, particularly French lithography, which is prized for its anatomical precision and hand-colored details. To confirm this estimate, an in-person examination by a specialist in antique prints is necessary to verify the paper type and printing method. If these plates were determined to be modern reproductions or later 20th-century copies, the decorative value would likely fall to $50–$100. Conversely, if these were part of a rare or first-edition 'livraison' with documented provenance, the value could exceed the current estimate. This valuation reflects the current market for mid-tier antique natural history illustrations of this specific style.