1898 History of Freemasonry TEMPLAR SPECIAL ED 1st ed by Albert Mackey 7 vol set

Description

I hate to part with these beautiful books. For sale is a 7 volume set of Albert Gallantin Mackey, M.D., The History of Freemasonry, VERY RARE Templar edition, 1st ed.
This copy is hand numbered 413 out of only 750 printed
.If you are a Freemason, a Freemason collector, or a book collector this is an absolutely rare occasion to buy a stunningly rare 7 volume Masonic set. A lovely 3/4 black leather and black cloth set with gold gilted embellishments. These magnificently leather bound books are engraved with gold leaf displaying the Masonic logic, knights Templar, Scottish Rite, and HTWSSTKS. This set was printed by the Mason History Company in year 1898 and is written with the help of William R. Singleton explaining the history of its introduction and process and symbols in the United States.
Printed on high-quality paper. The volumes heavily illustrated with illustrations and photogravures.Published by The Masonic History Company and copyrighted in 1898 with no mention of any other dates. Photogravures by William H. Gilbo. Printing and binding by Trow Co. Color reproductions by G. H. Bueke & Co.
Condition: Book 2-7 are in overall great condition. Some light rubbing and edge wear to a couple of volumes but nothing significant.
Covers are minimally faded and the color remains pretty consistent across the set.
The spines show a bit more variance in fading across the set, 2-3 of them being noticeably lighter than the others (see photos).
Damage to the cover of volume 1 is more significant than the rest of the set. The front cover is not intact, though it remains with the book.
The pages are still in great condition and overall consistent with the remainder of the set. First page of volume 1 is signed as a gift to Paul Keene from Mauriah [illegible]. No date is provided.
Overall, these are in great condition and it is hard to believe they were printed in the 19th century.