{"product_id":"1867-antique-new-testament-bible-and-book-of-common-prayer-with-clasp-gothic-leather-binding-ref-x752","title":"1867 Antique New Testament Bible and Book of Common Prayer with Clasp, Gothic Leather Binding - Ref x752","description":"1867 Book of Common Prayer – Oxford University Press – Ornate Victorian Gothic Binding with Angels, Gilt Edges \u0026amp; Metal Clasp\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eA striking Victorian Book of Common Prayer, printed at the Oxford University Press in 1867, preserved in an extraordinarily decorative period binding.\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eSmall enough to be held in the hand, yet exceptionally elaborate in its execution, this volume has the character of a personal Victorian devotional object rather than an ordinary nineteenth-century prayer book.\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eThe dark binding is deeply embossed with an architectural Gothic design populated by crowned angels, with portions of the decoration picked out in gilt. The design has the appearance of medieval ecclesiastical ornament and gives this compact volume considerable visual presence.\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eThe page edges are richly gilt, creating a gold border around the text block when closed, while an ornate metal clasp survives at the fore-edge.\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eThe spine is simply and beautifully titled “Church Services” in gilt Gothic lettering.\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003ePRINTED AT OXFORD IN 1867\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eThe title page reads:\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eTHE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER\u003cbr\u003eand Administration of the Sacraments, and other Rites and Ceremonies of the Church\nAccording to the Use of the United Church of England and Ireland\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eTogether with the Proper Lessons for Sundays and other Holy-Days and the New Version of the Psalms of David.\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eOxford: Printed at the University Press\nM.DCCC.LXVII – 1867\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eThe volume also contains the New Testament of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, printed at Oxford University Press.\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eVICTORIAN PROVENANCE – CHRISTMAS 1869\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eAdding another layer to the history of this particular copy is an early handwritten inscription:\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e“Edward P—\nHis Book\nDecember 24\n1869”\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eThe exact surname is difficult to decipher and is therefore intentionally not asserted here.\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eDated Christmas Eve 1869, only two years after the book was printed, the inscription gives this volume a wonderful personal connection to Victorian devotional life.\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eRather than being an anonymous antique book, it has remained connected to one of its nineteenth-century owners for more than 150 years.\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eCONTENTS INCLUDE\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eThe Book of Common Prayer contains the traditional Anglican liturgy, including Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer, the Litany, Holy Communion, Baptism, Confirmation, Matrimony, Visitation of the Sick, Burial of the Dead, Psalter, Articles of Religion and other rites and prayers.\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eThe volume is accompanied by the New Testament, making this an extensive compact Victorian devotional book.\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eDETAILS\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eYear: 1867\nPeriod: Victorian\nTitle: The Book of Common Prayer\nPrinter: Oxford University Press\nPlace of Printing: Oxford, England\nAdditional Contents: New Testament\nChurch: United Church of England and Ireland\nBinding: Highly decorated dark period binding\nDecoration: Gothic architectural design with crowned angels and gilt detailing\nPage Edges: Gilt\nClosure: Ornate metal clasp\nSpine: Gilt “Church Services” lettering\nProvenance: Handwritten ownership inscription dated 24 December 1869\nSize: Approx. 12.5 cm high × 8.2 cm wide × 3 cm deep\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eCONDITION\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eAn authentic Victorian devotional volume now approaching 160 years old, retaining considerable visual character.\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eThe binding displays age-related rubbing, marks and wear, with some loss and fading to the original gilt decoration. The gilt page edges remain clearly visible and attractive.\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eThe metal clasp hardware survives, although it displays age-related wear and should be considered part of the antique character of the volume rather than a modern functional fastening.\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eInternally there is expected age-related toning, occasional spotting, marks and evidence of historical handling. Early manuscript inscriptions are present, including the particularly appealing ownership inscription dated 24 December 1869.\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003ePlease examine all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description.\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eA REMARKABLE VICTORIAN DEVOTIONAL OBJECT\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eWhat elevates this volume is the combination of its 1867 Oxford printing, elaborate Gothic angel binding, gilt decoration, gilt page edges, metal clasp and documented Victorian ownership.\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eIt is an object that would have been designed not merely to contain the liturgy, but to be treasured.\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eA distinctive addition to a collection of antique prayer books, Victorian religious books, Book of Common Prayer editions, Oxford University Press books, Anglican history, Gothic bindings or nineteenth-century Christian devotional works.","brand":"My Vintage Bibles","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59350968107333,"sku":"UbPvfbnW7A","price":325.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0779\/3023\/4181\/files\/6aa83dd0af2f10db068fcece.png?v=1789416935","url":"https:\/\/myvintagebibles.com\/products\/1867-antique-new-testament-bible-and-book-of-common-prayer-with-clasp-gothic-leather-binding-ref-x752","provider":"My Vintage Bibles","version":"1.0","type":"link"}