NEW YORK CITY — Parts One and Two of the Private Collection of William Reese brought more than $16 million at Christie’s on May 25-26. Reese was one the foremost antiquarian book dealers in the world and his private collection included some of the earliest works defining America and the New World. Topping the first day of the sale, and the collection, was a rare, contemporary broadside edition of the Declaration of Independence, printed in Massachusetts, one of only six known, which earned $2.1 million. Topping the second day of the sale was Charles Bird King’s 1827 striking portrait of Big Buffalo, A Chippewa chief, which sold for $478,800. Paul Revere’s engraving of the Boston Massacre sold for more then $350,000. The sale included numerous association copies relating to the Founding Fathers including Franklin and Jefferson, numerous works relating to the explorations of North and South America, numerous works relating to flora and fauna of the New World including several Audubons and several rare view books depicting the earliest illustrations of cities and natural wonders such as Niagara Falls. There was much more, and Part Three of the collection continues in an online sale ending June 2. Prices quoted include the buyer’s premium as reported. A full report will follow in a future issue.