Machzik Bracha, by the Chida. Livorno, 1885. First edition during lifetime of author.
Title page contains signed ownership inscription of Rabbi Yosef Zonana, stating that the book belongs to his father, Rabbi Ya'akov Zonana [among the great scholars and leaders of the Constantinople community during the late 18th century).
Several handwritten glosses. Some are handwritten by the Maharsha Alfandari, the "Saba Kadisha". One gloss opens with the title "Esa Einai", which was the way the Saba Kadisha signed his glosses in books. [Esa stands for Eliezer Shlomo Alfandari. See comparison to photocopy of his manuscript in the "Esa Einai" glosses on the book Divrei Emet.]
Rabbi Shlomo Eliezer Alfandari (1813-1930) was one of the great rabbis of Turkey. In his youth he maintained correspondence with Rabbi Akiva Eiger. Served as Chief Rabbi of Constantinople and Damascus. In his old age, he came to serve as Rabbi in Safed. Passed away at a very old age in Jerusalem.
[2], 136, 114 leaves. 28.5cm. Fair-poor condition, restored wear and moth damage. Some glosses cut off.