Serpentine Antiques has dated this piece to the 1900s.
Queen Victoria was the very popular and beloved Queen of England for 63 years and Empress of India.
This book comes with both the original leather and solid silver hallmarked exterior case, as well as the original presentation box. Only 500 were made, and this is number 20, a wonderful and complete survivor. It included the special forms of service.
The dark blue Moroccan leather case bears an embroidered plaque that says "In Memoriam 1837-1901," and the Royal cypher. It is surrounded by a wreath of laurel leaves. It is lined in cream coloured moire silk, and has a beautifully shaped English hallmarked solid silver fully hallmarked button operated clasp, hallmarked Birmingham 1900, and made by Charles Penny Brown, and the leather cover closure is similarly shaped. There are two small marks to the leather on either side of the clasp.
Inside is found the similar Moroccan leather bound Book of Common Prayer and the Administration of Sacraments, and the Psalms of David as well as the complete edition of Hymns Ancient and Modern. The end pages are dark blue moire silk and the leather is gilt embossed to the interior edges. The paper edges are beautifully gilt when viewed on the right, but when turned to the left are purple, the royal colours. The same plaque is found on the front cover as is on the leather case, and the title is embossed in gold on the spine. There are also two silk ribbon page markers.
The Book of Common Prayer was published in London by Eyre and Spottiswoode, while The Book of Hymns Ancient and Modern, was published in London by William Clowes and Sons.
The presentation box is covered with paper and lined with baize, and has a split to one corner.
Size-case 4 inches wide by 5.5 inches long by 2 inches deep. Book-3 3/8 inches wide by 5 1/8 inches long by 1.25 inches deep. Exterior box-4.75 inches wide by 6.25 inches long by 2.25 inches deep.
This is a very rare thing, and in very good condition, having been kept within the presentation box, and then within the leather case for over 100 years, and having had only gentle use.
A wonderful item for the collector of bibles and religious books, or Queen Victoria memorabilia. I have never seen another.
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Serpentine Antiques has dated this piece to the 1900s.
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A Wonderful and Rare 1901 Moroccan Leather Bound Book of Common Prayer and Hymns, Made in a Very Limited Number of Copies for Queen Victoria's Funeral, and Contained in a Fitted Leather and Silver Case, as Well as the Original Presentation Box.
