Chidushei HaRashba, Prague 1809. Personal Copy of R. Yosef Chaim Sonenfeld. With Forged Autograph of Chasam Sofer.

Chidushei HaRashba, Prague 1809. Personal Copy of R. Yosef Chaim Sonenfeld. With Forged Autograph of Chasam Sofer.

A complete copy of Sefer Chidushei HaRashba (2 volumes in 1) printed at Prague in 1809.

The personal copy of R. Yosef Chaim Sonenfeld, with his autograph seen on title page. Interestingly, he signs his name as “Chaim Sonenfeld”, as the name “Yosef” was only added in later years due to severe illness.

Also seen is the signature of his son, R. Shmuel Binyamin Sonenfeld.

Bound in an ornate, new leather binding. Incorrectly labeled as the Chasam Sofer’s copy. It is apparent that the autograph on title page — Moshe HaKatan Sofer from Frankfurt — is nothing but a forgery. It is seemingly the handwriting of the individual who signs his name on the top left corner of the title page.

How this specific volume was obtained by R. Yosef Chaim Sonenfeld is unknown, however we can assume that as a prominent disciple of the Kesav Sofer, and as a staunch follower of the Chasam Sofer’s ways, R. Sonenfeld was under the impression that indeed this was the Chasam Sofer’s copy and therefore acquired it.

Few handwritten corrections seen on pp. 16 of Vol. II.

In overall very good condition. Scattered worming, sometimes affecting text. Small open tear to final leaf, with loss of text.

[1], 88; [1], 49, [3] pp.