1684 Red-Ruled Bible & Book of Common Prayer — Shagreen Binding, Silver Clasps & Fittings
$3,250.00
Octavo “church book” custom-assembled for an affluent Anglican patron, spanning the reigns of Charles II and James II: 1684 Book of Common Prayer, 1686 New Testament (Authorized King James Version), and The Whole Book of Psalms — every leaf hand-ruled in red ink.
Period shagreen (sharkskin) binding with original silver clasps and fittings, gilt gauffered edges. Sound binding, bright red ruling throughout; missing one silver corner.
Octavo (approx. 5″ x 7″). London: Printed by the Assigns of John Bill, Thomas Newcomb, and Henry Hills, Printers to the King’s Most Excellent Majesty, 1684–1686.
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A close-up film of this 1686 London Red-Ruled New Testament and its 1684 Book of Common Prayer and Psalms — the shagreen binding, the original silver clasps, the red ruling throughout, and the full condition on camera.
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1686 London Red-Ruled New Testament with 1684 Book of Common Prayer & Psalms in Shagreen with Silver Clasps
London: Printed by the Assigns of John Bill, Thomas Newcomb, and Henry Hills, Printers to the King’s Most Excellent Majesty, 1684–1686.
An exquisite late-17th-century English personal “church book,” custom-assembled for an affluent Anglican patron and spanning the reigns of King Charles II and King James II. Rather than carrying a heavy full Bible to services, wealthy worshippers commissioned portable volumes combining the Book of Common Prayer, the New Testament (Authorized King James Version), and the metrical Psalms into a single luxury manual. Every leaf throughout all three sections has been meticulously hand-ruled in red ink—a labor-intensive bespoke upgrade reserved for high-end commissions.
Binding & Hardware: Bound in a handsome period shagreen binding (textured sharkskin/ray skin), prized during the Restoration era for its exotic look and exceptional resilience against frequent handling. The boards are adorned with original silver fittings and working clasps, protecting the text block and gleaming against the dark, pebbled skin. Edges gilt with gauffered edges.
Condition: Shagreen binding remains sound and attractive with light, honest age-wear; silver hardware displays a rich antique patina with clasps intact and functioning. Text block is crisp with bright red ruling throughout, minor age-toning, and occasional early family inscriptions. Missing one silver corner, see video for condition.
Octavo (approx. 5″ x 7″). Comprising The Book of Common Prayer (1684), The New Testament (1686), and The Whole Book of Psalms.
Why It’s Special: Portable 17th-century devotional volumes retaining both their original shagreen covers and intact silver furniture are increasingly rare on the market. Combining royal Stuart printing history with fine silversmithing and exotic bookbinding, this piece appeals equally to collectors of rare religious texts and Restoration decorative arts.
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| Grade | Short definition | Key signs to look for | Typical use / value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine (F) | Virtually as issued; near‑new for its age. | Tight, original binding; clean, unmarked pages; original leather or cloth intact; minimal shelf wear. | Collector quality; commands the highest premium. |
| Very Good (VG) | Light signs of use but well cared for. | Minor rubbing at edges; small scuffs; sound binding; complete text and plates/maps present. | Collectible; desirable but lower premium than Fine. |
| Good (G) | Clearly used; moderate wear and handling signs. | Fading or spine rubbing; light foxing or inscriptions; small tears; structurally sound. | Solid reading copy; modest market value. |
| Fair | Worn but generally complete text block. | Heavy wear to boards; loose hinges; missing endpapers or half‑title; soiling or repairs needed. | Low value; suitable for restoration or rebinding. |
| Poor / Reading Copy | Heavily damaged; often only the text remains usable. | Detached covers; missing pages; severe water/mold damage; heavy foxing or staining. | Reference or restoration only; minimal market value unless content is exceptionally rare. |
Note: Binding condition (original, rebacked, or binding copy) and presence of plates, maps, or family registers significantly affect value. Please look at all photos and read the entire description when evaluating a listing.
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