Manuscript on parchment and paper, Hilchot Rav Alfas (Rif), Tractate Berachot. [Italy, ca. early 15th century].

Small format, Italian semi-cursive script (16-18 lines per page). Written by two scribes. The first scribe wrote until leaf 54; the second scribe wrote from leaf 55 to the end.

Several leaves have variant texts or addenda in the margins, handwritten by the scribes.

The manuscript is comprised of mixed gatherings of parchment and paper. This method was used in the transition period between parchment and paper as mediums for writing. In Italy this practice was common in the 14th and 15th centuries.

Prof. Malachi Beit-Arié describes this practice in his Hebrew Codicology (2021 edition, p. 201, Hebrew):

"...Paper gradually supplanted parchment as the primary medium for writing, but in many manuscripts, except for those made in Germany, gatherings were composed by wrapping [paper] in parchment sheets. These hybrid gatherings usually consisted of an outer and central parchment sheet, between which paper sheets would be inserted and folded together to form a gathering... Thus, the first and last leaves as well as the central opening of the gathering were made of parchment, while the rest were paper. This collation struck a balance between cheap but fragile paper, and expensive but sturdy parchment. The parchment sheets wrapping the paper sheets in these hybrid gatherings protected them from wear at the outer fold and the inner fold of the central opening, and especially from damage to the outer and central sheets due to tight stitching of gatherings".

The manuscript is composed of eight gatherings, most of 14 leaves. Each gathering is comprised of 10 paper leaves and 4 parchment leaves (the first and last leaf and the central opening of each gathering is made of parchment). The seventh gathering begins with one parchment leaf followed by six paper leaves, and the eighth gathering is made of only two parchment leaves. The first gathering lacks one paper leaf at the beginning, and apparently also one parchment leaf (which was either blank or a title page). At beginning and end of gatherings (in margins, at end of gathering below and beginning of gathering above) appear letters numbering the gatherings, except for last two gatherings.

On front endpaper, ownership inscription: "This book belongs to me, Shlomo of Porto, Urbino".

Early binding, decorated [ca. 16th century]. Inscriptions (in Italian) on front endpaper, dated 1565.

Another manuscript produced by the same two scribes, presumably at the same time, is Manfred Lehmann Ms. D 147 (see: Christie's, New York, December 1984, Lot 88). This manuscript contains a copying of the Rif on Tractate Beitzah, in the same format and same hybrid collation, and the same transition from handwriting of the first scribe to that of the second.

[91] leaves, including 26 parchment leaves (see collation details above). Somewhat lacking at beginning (based on text – one leaf is lacking; based on collation – another parchment leaf appears to be missing, either blank or a title page). 14 cm. Most leaves in good condition, some fair-good. Stains, including dampstains and moisture damage (mold stains to several leaves at end). Tears, open tears, parts of parchment cut off, creases and damage, affecting and deleting text in several places. Open tears to first leaf, affecting text. Early leather binding, decorated, with damage and tears.