(1884) Signed Binding Christian "Hours of the Holy Virgin" with 12 Chromolithographs

We are offering here the French Christian devotional book "Hours of the Holy Virgin" from 1884 bound in an unique dark teal Morocco leather binding. This exquisite Christian Catholic devotional book is richly illuminated and illustrated with Chromolithograph Frontispiece and 11 Chromolithograph Plates illustrated by famous French painter and illustrator Mathurin Louis Armand Queyroy and engraved by A. Gusman. All 432 pages richly illuminated and illustrated by A. Queyroy.

Bound in an unique dark teal Morocco leather binding with a two Ornamental Metal Decorations in shape of the "Tree of Life" to the front board. Binding SIGNED in gilt by "F. CORNO-GILLE. REL. DOR. PARIS" along the inner-turn dentelles at the bottom of the front paste down (F. Corno-Gille, or simply Corno-Gille, was French master bookbinder based in Paris active primarily during the late 1800s, the workshop specialized in high-end, luxury bindings, particularly fine leather execution with intricate gilt tooling/gold leaf decoration; Today, volumes bearing the Corno-Gille (Paris) stamp are considered rare antiquarian collector's items, frequently appearing in fine book auctions and high-end historical catalogs). With very rich decorated front and rear paste-down with gilt frames and fleurons and teal Moiree silk. Free endpapers also accompanied by teal Moiree silk. Personalised copy with a fine Stylised Monogram Initials "J.V." chased in gilt to the center of the front teal Moirée silk endpaper. Pages/text block from high quality woven paper by Alfred Mame et Fils.

"Heures de la Sainte Vierge"; Tours, Alfred Mame et Fils, 1884; Dark teal Morocco leather binding with a two ornamental metal decorations in shape of the "Tree of Life" to the front board. Spine with five raised bands. All page edges gilt; Size of the book: 15,8 x 12 cm (6.2" x 4.7"); Text in French; Collation complete - Free endpaper, (2) blank leaves, Engraved half-title, Chromolithograph frontispiece, Engraved title page, 432 illuminated pages with 11 chromolithograph plates, (2) blank leaves, free endpaper; Full Morocco leather binding is tight and firm, overall well preserved, little bumped mostly to the extremities, a few negligible surface scratches/scuffings. Little oxidation to the metal decorations, otherwise both are whole and well preserved, no missing pieces/corners. Hinges and joints are whole and remains strong and secure. Pages/Text block in very good condition, very bright and clean, no marks throughout, only a few pages with a few small and slight foxing dots, blank leaves and some pages little age tanned. Overall the condition of the book is VERY GOOD.