[OAK BIBLE] - The Holy Bible - 1911

DESCRIPTION: I am presenting at auction a UNIQUE COLLECTOR'S PIECE, WITH HISTORIC ENGLISH CHURCH WOOD.

We present an authentic gem for history, religion, and collector enthusiasts: a 1911 Bible ("Holy Bible") that goes beyond a book to become an object charged with soul, art, and a centenarian memory.

Inside, a handwritten inscription elevates this piece:

"Oak taken from the roof timbers of Rayleigh Church when restored in 1913"
(Oak taken from the roof beams of Rayleigh Church during its restoration in 1913)

This means the covers are made from genuine wood sourced from a historic English church, turning this Bible into an object that literally incorporates a fragment of religious heritage.

ABOUT RAYLEIGH CHURCH:
The church refers to Holy Trinity Church in Rayleigh, located in Essex (England), a medieval-origin temple that has served as the spiritual center of the community for centuries. Like many English churches, it underwent major restorations at the beginning of the 20th century, during which old roof beams were replaced. It was relatively common for fragments of that historic wood to be reused in devotional objects or keepsakes, which adds enormous cultural and sentimental value to pieces like this.

EXCEPTIONAL LEATHER BINDING IN SOLID WOOD

+ Covers about 1 cm thick, sturdy and spectacular
+ Ancient oak with a unique, unreproducible patina
+ Handcrafted work that conveys history and solidity

ARTISTIC DECORATION AND SACRED SYMBOLISM

+ Back cover: elegant geometric carved pattern, sober and harmonious
+ Front cover: authentic carved and polychromed artwork. The central motif most likely corresponds to the IHS symbol, an ancient Christian monogram representing the name of Jesus (derived from the Greek “ΙΗΣΟΥΣ”). This symbol has been widely used in religious art since the Middle Ages, especially in ecclesiastical contexts, which fits perfectly with the wood’s origin. Its neo-Gothic-inspired style recalls architectural elements of churches (tracery, stylized columns), reinforcing the sacred and ornamental character of the piece.

This type of binding was neither common nor industrial. Everything points to this Bible having been rebound in a special way for a specific person, possibly as a memento of the church’s restoration or as a personal devotional object. It is very likely that it carried great sentimental value for its original owner, perhaps linked to their community, their faith, or even to a significant life event. It is not just an old book: it is an object that formed part of a personal and spiritual story.

AN IRREPEATABLE PIECE. DO NOT LET IT SLIP AWAY.

PUBLICATION YEAR: London (England, United Kingdom) 1911

LANGUAGE: English

SIZE AND PAGINATION: Dimensions: 15 x 11 cm. Pagination: Title page + [2] + 862 + [2] pp. SPECTACULAR BIBLE

CONDITION: Leather binding with beautiful 1 cm thick wooden covers, in good overall condition as shown in the photos. The interior is in good condition, as shown.

NOW OR NEVER. YOU DECIDE.

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SHIPPING POLICY:
Shipping charges are grouped to save you money. Economical shipping with major carriers:

Spain --> via: CTT Express 24h or CORREOS
Europe --> via: UPS Express 48-72h / FedEx Express 48-72h (Some countries may have longer transit times)
United States --> via: UPS Express 48h / FedEx Express 48h (We have been informed by customers that these carriers are less strict or do not apply the new 15% tax on imported goods)
China --> via: UPS Express 24h
Rest of World --> via: UPS Express 48h / FedEx Express 48h

*Books will be carefully packed to travel comfortably to their new home.