Condition Summary

The book is in good vintage condition overall. The cover shows light edge wear and age toning consistent with a 1949 publication. The spine has a library label and mild wear but remains structurally sound.

The pages are clean and complete with no writing in the body. There is a period handwritten inscription dated December 25, 1948 on a front page. This is an ex-library copy with library markings present, which have been fully considered in pricing.

The binding is intact and the book opens well.

Description

This is a 1949 limited edition printing of Constitution of the State of California 1849, issued by the Friends of the Huntington Library in San Marino, California.

This edition was produced in only 800 copies, and this example is number 12, as stated on the limitation page.

The book features deckled edges, with naturally uneven, hand-trimmed page edges typical of fine press and limited-edition printings from this period.

It includes an introduction by Robert Glass Cleland, a noted California historian and longtime director of the Huntington Library.

Of particular interest is a handwritten gift inscription dated December 25, 1948, signed “Bob.”

Given the timing, context, and the use of the name “Bob,” it is possible that the inscription was written by Robert Glass Cleland himself, who authored the introduction to this volume.

While the inscription is not explicitly signed with his full name, the association is plausible and has been carefully described without definitive attribution.

The book was printed by Anderson & Ritchie / The Ward Ritchie Press, a respected California fine press known for high-quality historical and bibliographic works.

This copy was personally inspected. The book is clean with no writing in the text and only visible marks consistent with library handling and age.

The book will be securely poly bagged and shipped in a sturdy box. Handled and packed by a collector for collectors.

Stored in a smoke-free environment. Fast shipping with tracking and careful packaging guaranteed.

Keywords

California Constitution

Robert Glass Cleland

Huntington Library

Limited Edition Book

Ward Ritchie Press

California History Book

Signed Association Copy

California Law History

Fine Press California

Collectible History Book