Preliminary identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
An 1891 leather-bound edition of the Latter-day Saint scripture *Doctrine and Covenants*, featuring a deeply historic presentation inscription. It was inscribed in 1897 by prominent LDS Apostle Franklin D. Richards to early church pioneer Mary Elizabeth Rollins Lightner.
Story
In 1897, LDS Apostle Franklin D. Richards gifted this volume to Mary Elizabeth Rollins Lightner, famed for rescuing the 1833 Book of Commandments from a mob as a teenager. A direct tangible link between two legendary figures.
Maker / Origin
Franklin Dewey Richards (1821–1899) was a long-serving member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and Church Historian. Mary Elizabeth Rollins Lightner (1818–1913) was a prominent early church pioneer, plural wife of Joseph Smith, and revered historical witness.
Condition & Value
Shows significant exterior wear, including a heavily chipped or deteriorating spine and edge rubbing on the leather boards. The handwritten ink inscription remains clear and legible. Structural binding integrity affects value.
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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.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.