Brown's self-interpreting family bible - 1860






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Brown's self-interpreting family bible, an authentic Victorian English family Bible in English with a full leather binding, 1123 pages, 34 × 28 cm, gilt edges and heavy brass clasps, dating from circa 1870–1890 and in good condition.
Description from the seller
authentic antique Victorian family Bible, printed in English (as shown by the gold embossed 'Bible' on the spine).
This copy is in an exceptionally collectible condition. The Bible is fitted with its original, heavy, richly decorated brass clasps, which are completely intact and functional. The interior features beautiful, large-format chromolithographs (color plates) with gold embossing, in very fresh condition without the typical heavy rust stains. A top piece for the collector of Victorian bookbindings.
The design and the specific blind stamping place this book in the second half of the 19th century (circa 1870–1890).
The Binding: It is a monumental, heavy leather binding (often morocco or calf leather) over thick boards. The edges are adorned with gilded decorations.
Gold embossing and symbolism: In the center lies a radiating halo with a crown and a dove (Holy Spirit). The text in the middle shows a well-known Bible verse: "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path" (Psalm 119:105).
Medallions: Around the central image are four gold-pressed medallions depicting prophets or evangelists (including Moses with the tablets of the Law in the upper left and King David with the harp in the upper right).
Block of the book: The text block has gilded edges, which at the time signified a luxury edition. With original copper or brass clasps.
Honest wear: The corners of the binding show typical wear where the underlying cardboard breaks through the leather. The spine also shows craquelé and light gouges from the weight of opening the book.
The Closures: The heavy brass or copper clasps are fully present and in excellent condition. The metal features beautiful, embossed ornamentation. On most Bibles from this period these clasps have broken off or gone missing over time.
Chromolithographs (Color Plates): The Bible contains page-sized, high-quality color prints (chromolithographs). Both the richly decorated frontispiece (The Holy Bible) and the biblical scenes (such as "Christ Sending Forth His Disciples") are printed with gold accents and deep, vibrant colors. The pages show virtually no age-related foxing.
Book block: The paper is sturdy, the gilded edges still shine well, and the binding, given the book's flat lay when opened, is solid.
Family records: This Bible’s front matter includes handwritten family genealogies (births, marriages). While historically interesting, they usually do not raise commercial value unless they concern a well-known historical family. Are these within this Bible and thus still to be filled?
a large imposing Bible:
1123 pages
34 x 28 cm
thickness 9 cm
weight 5065 g
see the photos for a good impression; they form part of the description
will be sent by insured/registered mail
Seller's Story
authentic antique Victorian family Bible, printed in English (as shown by the gold embossed 'Bible' on the spine).
This copy is in an exceptionally collectible condition. The Bible is fitted with its original, heavy, richly decorated brass clasps, which are completely intact and functional. The interior features beautiful, large-format chromolithographs (color plates) with gold embossing, in very fresh condition without the typical heavy rust stains. A top piece for the collector of Victorian bookbindings.
The design and the specific blind stamping place this book in the second half of the 19th century (circa 1870–1890).
The Binding: It is a monumental, heavy leather binding (often morocco or calf leather) over thick boards. The edges are adorned with gilded decorations.
Gold embossing and symbolism: In the center lies a radiating halo with a crown and a dove (Holy Spirit). The text in the middle shows a well-known Bible verse: "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path" (Psalm 119:105).
Medallions: Around the central image are four gold-pressed medallions depicting prophets or evangelists (including Moses with the tablets of the Law in the upper left and King David with the harp in the upper right).
Block of the book: The text block has gilded edges, which at the time signified a luxury edition. With original copper or brass clasps.
Honest wear: The corners of the binding show typical wear where the underlying cardboard breaks through the leather. The spine also shows craquelé and light gouges from the weight of opening the book.
The Closures: The heavy brass or copper clasps are fully present and in excellent condition. The metal features beautiful, embossed ornamentation. On most Bibles from this period these clasps have broken off or gone missing over time.
Chromolithographs (Color Plates): The Bible contains page-sized, high-quality color prints (chromolithographs). Both the richly decorated frontispiece (The Holy Bible) and the biblical scenes (such as "Christ Sending Forth His Disciples") are printed with gold accents and deep, vibrant colors. The pages show virtually no age-related foxing.
Book block: The paper is sturdy, the gilded edges still shine well, and the binding, given the book's flat lay when opened, is solid.
Family records: This Bible’s front matter includes handwritten family genealogies (births, marriages). While historically interesting, they usually do not raise commercial value unless they concern a well-known historical family. Are these within this Bible and thus still to be filled?
a large imposing Bible:
1123 pages
34 x 28 cm
thickness 9 cm
weight 5065 g
see the photos for a good impression; they form part of the description
will be sent by insured/registered mail
