Assumption of Risk: Buying books on April 1

The following was listed on one of the ABAA listserv groups on April 1, 2008:

Mela, Pomponius. ORBIS SITUM DICERE AGGREDIOR... [i.e. Cosmographia, Sive De Situ Orbis]. Milan: (Pamfilo Castaldi). 1471. Sm. 4to. 59 (of 61) leaves lacking the final 2 blanks. Cont. vellum, somewhat soiled. On the first leaf at top right corner is the genuine autograph “Cristoforo Colombo, Genoa, 1472.” The “editio princeps” of a very rare book, one of the earliest printed geographical works, by the first Roman geographer, and the copy which was acquired by Columbus at the age of 21. Long known to bibliographers – it was first recorded in the 16th century manuscript inventory of the Orsini family library – and thought to have been lost. This amazing copy has recently come to light, in one of the California mission libraries, now being sold (on consignment to us) to raise necessary funds. $1,000,000.00 net

It caused a bit of a stir and at least one dealer noted that they were very pleased to have called its creator before calling clients. It made my day and Kenneth Karmiole, who clearly spent too much time crafting this great listing, kindly gave his permission to post it here.