Lot 95

The Bible is in a 19th century calf binding reusing earlier calf on the boards. Both joints are fully split, the boards being retained only by their cord hinges. The spine and boards are very worn, the spine with losses and the boards scored and heavily bumped. The text appears to be complete but this has not been verified. The preliminaries begin with a 19th century free endpaper immediately followed by the title followed by a signature of six pages which has become detached but is complete within itself; the next page after this is the first page of Genesis, and the text block appears to be intact from this point to the second-last page; the final printed page (with colophon) and the following 19th century free endpaper remain attached to the rear board. The leaves are mostly clean, with only occasional marks, early ink annotations, and light damp stains and limited insect damage in margins. An area of about 6 x 11cm has been cut from the lower right corner of the final page of Maccabees, below the woodcut tailpiece.

The box has no original relationship to the Bible. The decoration on the box is quite worn. Its cover is detached, its three wire hinges having become detached or broken. The lock and its wooden cover are old replacements as, apparently, is the drawer front below.


The opinions expressed in the condition reports are a guide only and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Prospective buyers are encouraged to physically inspect item, or book a virtual viewing or request further images during our pre-sale period where Leonard Joel staff are available for advice.
Please note condition reports can be amended during the pre-sale period, so we strongly suggest any interested bidders check the published condition report available on the website before the auction commences. Leonard Joel makes no guarantee of the originality of mechanical or applied components. Absence of reference to such modifications does not imply that a lot is free from modifications.

Property of Westmore Godsen Stephens (1840-1914), of the historic 'Wolverton' residence on Malvern rd, Toorak. An inaugural member of the Armadale Baptist Church who donated the land at Kooyong Rd, Armadale for the Armadale Baptist Church