First edition, first issue, with Charles Dickens named as Boz to the title page and the Fireside plate opposite p313 in Volume III. Bound without the half titles or publisher's advertisements. Bound in contemporary full calf, with original red morocco gilt spine labels. Some occasional rubbing to the spines, the odd mark to the boards, the extremities a touch bumped. Spine labels smart with just light occasional rubbing. Discolouration towards the spines of the two later volumes, a few light ring marks to the front board of Volume II, else externally lovely. Armorial bookplate of John Angerstein to the front pastedown of each volume; Angerstein was an art collector whose estate was purchased by King George IV and Lord Liverpool to form the beginnings of the National Gallery. Bindings remaining generally firm, with just light straining at the hinges, noticeable at p2-3 of volumes I and II, Page 250 with loss of 3.5" x 2" to lower corner, presumably contemporary from a candle catching. There are handling marks and stains throughout, occasional light spots, plates are a little foxed and with some offsetting to leaves facing. Collated and complete with twenty-four etched plates by George Cruikshank, including the Fireside plate. A lovely true first edition in smart contemporary leather.