Wallis (Richard) London's Armory...all the Arms, Crests, Supporters, Mantles & Mottos of every distinct Company and Corporate Societie in the Honourable Citie of London, first edition, engraved frontispiece with central armorial completed in pen and ink and with manuscript inscription from the author to Sir Robert Viner, engraved title, engraved Royal arms, engraved arms of the City of London and 25 engraved plates each with 4 coats-of-arms of the Liveried Companies etc., engraved arms of the Artillery Company at end, 3ff. letterpress only (?of 4), some marginal soiling, later bookplate of Sir William Augustus Fraser of Ledeclune and Morar, contemporary calf, gilt, worn, [Wing W620], folio, Printed for the Author, 1677.

⁂ Rare work with only 2 copies appearing at auction in the last 35 years. The engraved frontispiece incorporates the manuscript arms of and inscription to the recipient, Sir Robert Viner (1631-88). Viner was a goldsmith, sheriff of London at the time of the Great Fire in 1666 and later Lord Mayor. He enjoyed a close relationship with King Charles II and was appointed the King's goldsmith in 1661 and became his principal banker, arranging loans for enormous sums of money which, owing to the extravagance of the court and the Dutch war ultimately lead to his bankruptcy.