Early Psalterium Folio Binding

A remarkable surviving late 18th-century book binding, dating to approximately c. 1795, retaining its original leather-covered wooden boards, decorative blind tooling, brass corner mounts, central brass boss, and clasp hardware.

The warm, timeworn leather is extensively decorated with intricate blind tooling in a repeating floral and foliate pattern, centered by an ornate diamond-shaped brass boss. Four substantial brass cornerpieces feature raised bosses and engraved decoration, while two original clasp fittings remain along the fore-edge. The spine retains its original raised bands and leather covering.

The binding is characteristic of substantial European book bindings of the late 18th century, when books were often constructed with sturdy boards and embellished with decorative tooling, brass furniture, and clasp hardware.

The original text block is no longer present; this is the surviving binding and covers only. Fragments of early printed material remain attached to the interior, including portions of blackletter text associated with a Psalterium, adding another fascinating layer to its history.

The binding shows considerable age and wear throughout, including losses and tears to the leather, worn tooling, surface wear, and deterioration to the interior coverings, all consistent with its considerable age.

A beautiful and highly decorative piece of book history, equally compelling displayed as a historic artifact, incorporated into a library or study, or used as an unusual decorative object.

Circa: c. 1795.
Materials: Leather, wood, brass.
Dimensions: 19" L x 15" W.
Condition: Antique condition with extensive age-related wear, losses and tears to the leather, worn tooling, losses to portions of the brass furniture and clasps, and deterioration to the interior coverings. Please see photographs carefully. No interior pages or complete text block are present.

Please note: While the construction and decorative elements are consistent with European book bindings of the late 18th century, the original contents of the volume cannot be definitively identified from the surviving binding alone. The remaining printed fragments appear to be associated with a Psalterium, but the surviving material is insufficient to establish the original edition or publication details.