Overview
A pocket-sized religious text bound in durable khaki cloth, specifically designed for military personnel during the Great War.
Preliminary identification
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
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
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.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Regional auction
· Jun 2024Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
$1,280
Dealer archive
· Mar 2024Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
$1,450
Marketplace sale
· Jan 2024Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
$980
Estate platform
· Oct 2023Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
$1,150
Auction result
· Aug 2023Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.
$1,375