A highly characterful Victorian Bible, printed by George E. Eyre and William Spottiswoode, Printers to the Queen's Most Excellent Majesty. The title page states that it was "appointed to be read in churches".

This is an especially interesting example because it retains extensive period handwritten inscriptions and ownership/provenance markings.

One particularly notable inscription reads:

There is also a period Vernon Brown, 3 Hartfield Terrace, Eastbourne stamp, together with numerous other handwritten notes, names and biblical references.

Victorian Holy Bible containing the Old and New Testaments

George E. Eyre & William Spottiswoode printing

Dark leather binding with embossed cross decoration

Gilt "HOLY BIBLE" lettering

Decorative spine and gilt/decorative board edges

Metal clasp/closure

Colour biblical maps, including Canaan and the Tribes

Extensive period handwritten annotations and inscriptions

Dated 1874 provenance and Vernon Brown Eastbourne ownership stamp

This is an antique book showing considerable age-related wear. The leather has rubbing, scuffing and losses around the corners and edges. The pages have substantial age toning, foxing/brown spotting and staining. There are numerous historical handwritten notes, inscriptions and annotations to the blank leaves and elsewhere.

There is wear around the hinges/binding consistent with its age and extensive use. The page edges are heavily aged/discoloured. The clasp and fittings are present. Please study all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the condition description. Sold as an antique collectable in its existing condition rather than as a pristine reading copy.

The combination of the 1874 inscription, Victorian binding, maps and extensive period provenance makes this a particularly interesting collectable Bible.

Please check my other listings for more interesting vintage and collectable items.