Brand: 14th Century Liturgical Scribe
Type: Illuminated Manuscript Vellum Leaf Fragment
Style: Medieval / Gothic
Country of Origin: Europe (Likely France or Italy)
Age: 1300s (14th Century)
Measurement: 12" H x approximately.7.5" W
This extraordinary artifact is a genuine, hand-penned 14th-century medieval manuscript missal leaf fragment executed on animal vellum. Dating to the 1300s, this leaf serves as a primary source specimen of early European church music and liturgical devotion.
The front displays exquisite late-medieval craftsmanship, featuring hand-drawn black square musical neumes set against a hand-ruled red four-line staff—the classic notation system used to sing Gregorian chants and sacred masses. The Latin text is meticulously written in a formal Gothic book hand, accented by vibrant red rubrics and beautiful calligraphic initial capitals illuminated in striking shades of medieval blue and red ink.
The reverse side reveals additional blocks of handwritten Latin text, emphasizing its role as a functional piece of an early operational liturgical book before being separated centuries later. This piece includes its previous purchase receipt and authenticity guarantee from April 2001, making it an exceptional, museum-caliber display piece for collectors of early typography, musicology, and medieval history.
Please see my other listings to view more from my collections of fine vintage silver, early printing, and historical documents.
To ensure the safe arrival of your investment, all items are shipped via USPS Priority Mail. The $15.00 flat fee includes:
Full Supplemental Insurance for the purchase price.
Handling time is 5 business days for careful preparation.
No returns. As a specialist collector, I provide high-resolution photography and hallmark identification so you can buy with confidence. All items are sold "as is."