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Preliminary identification

WWI-era American Bible Society 'Proverbs' Army and Navy Edition, 1915

Photo reference

3 uploaded photos

Overview

A pocket-sized religious text bound in durable khaki cloth, specifically designed for military personnel during the Great War.

Story

In 1915, as the world was engulfed in the horrors of the Great War, the American Bible Society mobilized to produce millions of these 'pocket testaments' for service members.

Maker / Origin

Founded in 1816, the American Bible Society is one of the oldest non-profit organizations in the U.S., dedicated to making the Bible available to everyone regardless of their circumstances.

Condition & Value

The cover shows light staining and edge wear consistent with its age and intended use. The interior pages appear clean with minor foxing and pencil checkmarks from a previous owner. The staples show slight oxidation, but the binding remains intact. Condition is typical for a field-carried item.

Full Research

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Build on this identification

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • ▲ Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • ▲ Better-than-average condition for the category
  • ▲ Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • ▼ Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • ▼ Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • ▼ Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps

Regional auction

· Jun 2024

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

$1,280

SOLD

Dealer archive

· Mar 2024

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

$1,450

SOLD

Marketplace sale

· Jan 2024

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

$980

SOLD

Estate platform

· Oct 2023

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

$1,150

SOLD

Auction result

· Aug 2023

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.

$1,375

SOLD