Victorian Deep-Panel Leather Family Bible, c.1880

Story

In the late 1800s, a Bible of this scale was often the most expensive object a family would ever purchase, frequently bought on installment plans from traveling salesmen who canvassed rural townships.

Maker / Origin

While the specific publisher is usually found on the title page, firms like A.J. Holman & Co. of Philadelphia dominated this market, using massive steam-powered presses to achieve this level of deep-relief embossing.

Condition & Value

The leather appears remarkably well-preserved with the gold leaf on the spine remaining exceptionally bright. There is some expected shelf wear and minor scuffing at the corners and joints, but the structural integrity of the binding seems strong. Excellent preservation of the gilding significantly helps the value.