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Identification

Illustrirte Pracht-Bibel (German Luther Bible) by Lauer & Yost

Photo reference

2 uploaded photos

Overview

The title page clearly provides the publisher's imprint 'Lauer & Yost. Cleveland, O. ', serving as a definitive maker's mark and allowing for high confidence.

Story

Published by Lauer & Yost in Cleveland, Ohio, this 'Pracht-Bibel' (Splendor Bible) was specifically produced for the growing German-American immigrant population in the late 19th century. These massive volumes served as both spiritual centerpieces and vital family record-keepers, featuring the classic Martin Luther translation alongside elaborate illustrations by masters like Gustave Doré and Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld. The secondary market for late 19th-century family Bibles is currently saturated and generally soft.

Maker / Origin

Lauer & Yost

Condition & Value

Visible edge wear and rubbing to the deeply embossed leather boards indicate heavy historical use. The title page shows edge tears, creasing, and minor foxing, which likely extends to other pages.

Full Research

See what it's actually worth.

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

Market Analysis

The secondary market for late 19th-century family Bibles is currently saturated and generally soft. Buyers are typically niche collectors of Victorian bindings, genealogists (if family records are present), or interior decorators. Heavy shipping weights often deter casual online buyers, keeping realized auction prices modest unless the volume is in pristine condition with intact metal clasps or features highly sought-after specific illustrations.

Value Drivers

▲ Elaborate Victorian embossed leather binding with gilt strapwork appeals to decorative buyers.

▲ Inclusion of illustrations after Gustave Doré and Schnorr von Carolsfeld adds artistic interest.

▲ German-American imprint (Cleveland, Ohio) provides specific cultural and regional historical value.

Concerns

▼ Potential front hinge split — structural failure in heavy Victorian Bibles severely limits buyer interest.

▼ Unverified plate count — missing Doré or Carolsfeld engravings would drop the estimate to the lowest tier.

Best Venue

Given the weight and condition, local sale or a specialized online listing (e. g., eBay with calculated shipping) is recommended. List with an optimistic asking price of $120, but be prepared to accept offers in the $60-$80 range. Do not attempt amateur repairs on the leather or hinges with tape or standard glue, as this will further degrade value.

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Also found — market-range context

Related comps outside the valuation band· 2 comps

Surfaced during research but not used to anchor the valuation — wrong form, species, era, or no published price. Shown so the market range around this item is visible.

  • eBay
    Antique 1870 Large German Family Bible Names Dates 1700 pg Old/New Martin Luther
    Link could not be verified.
    $165
  • Books, Manuscripts and Maps Auction· 2019-10-17
    Illustrirte Pracht Bibel 1883
    Link could not be verified.
    $150