Moray Waste Busters

Description

Antique Oxford University Press Holy Bible

Presented to the Matron of Salop Infirmary – 1856

An impressive large Victorian Holy Bible printed at the Oxford University Press in 1854, retaining its original black leather binding with elaborate gilt decoration and gilt page edges.

What makes this example particularly appealing is its historic presentation inscription, dated 5th June 1856, recording that the Bible was presented to Miss Maria Bennet of Shrewsbury, together with a purse of thirty sovereigns, by the past and present Medical Officers, other Officers and Pupils of Salop Infirmary, in recognition of her faithful and praiseworthy service as Matron over a period of thirty years.

This transforms the volume from simply an antique Bible into a tangible piece of Victorian medical and social history.

The Bible also contains later handwritten family records and genealogical entries, adding another layer to its history and provenance.

Presentation Inscription

The inscription reads in part:

"Presented (together with a Purse of 30 Sovereigns) to Miss Maria Bennet, Shrewsbury... by the past and present Medical and other Officers and Pupils of the Salop Infirmary... in appreciation of the faithful and praiseworthy manner in which she discharged the duties of Matron... during a period of Thirty Years."

Dated:

June 5th 1856

Publication Details

  • Oxford University Press
  • Printed 1854 (M.DCCC.LIV.)
  • King James Version
  • Old and New Testaments
  • Large Imperial Quarto edition
  • Original full leather binding
  • Decorative gilt tooling
  • Gilt page edges

Approximate size:

  • 28 cm x 33 cm x 10 cm

Condition

A genuine mid-Victorian family Bible showing the honest wear expected after around 170 years.

  • Original leather binding with rubbing, scuffing and wear to edges and spine.
  • Gilt page edges remain bright.
  • Presentation page has a tear across it (clearly shown in photographs).
  • Some foxing, age spotting and general signs of use throughout.
  • Internal hinges show some separation at the back but the book remains complete.
  • Later handwritten family records are present.

Please review all photographs as they form part of the description. Questions welcome!

Collection & Delivery

Collection is available from our Forres site.

We pack carefully with reclaimed materials where possible to reduce waste.

Orders are dispatched within 3 working days in line with our stated handling time. Our working days are Friday to Monday. If your order is time-sensitive, please message us before purchasing and we will do our best to help.

About Moray Waste Busters

We're a non-profit social enterprise in Moray. Your purchase funds supported employment and training for people of all abilities and helps us deliver free environmental education. Thank you for supporting local reuse.

Registered Charity: SC033861

Returns & Refunds

  • Return window: Returns accepted within 30 days of delivery.
  • How to start a return: Please use eBay's Return this item option in your purchase history. This ensures tracking, communication, and refunds are handled through eBay's official process.
  • Condition: Items must be returned in the same condition as received and, where possible, in original packaging.
  • Who pays shipping:
    • If the item is faulty, damaged, or not as described, we cover return postage.
    • For all other returns (including change of mind), the buyer pays return postage.
  • Refund timing: Refunds are processed within 3 business days of receiving and inspecting the returned item via eBay.