(1890) Boxed & Signed Christian ''Book of Hours" with 192 Illustrations

We are offering here a personalised and luxuriously bound copy of an anastatic edition of the "Ces présentes Heures à l'usage de Rome" - This richly illustrated and illuminated Christian devotional book was published by L. Curmer in 1890 and bound in an unique Morocco leather binding with its original custom-made presentation wooden box (both signed by Lesort).

This "Book of Hours for Roman use" - adorned by Simon Vostre with illustrations based on the original edition dated August 22, 1498, and newly engraved by E. Mouchon - was completed on December 27, 1890, by D. Jouaust for C. Gauthier, apprentice and successor to L. Curmer. This richly illustrated and illuminated Christian work is consisted of more than 192 illustrated pages (including the engraved title page and 18 full-page engraved plates). A superb edition with text in Latin and French in red and black Gothic characters decorated on all pages with woodcuts by E. Mouchon. 

Bound in an uniquely personalised dark green Morocco leather binding with stylised Damascus Silver Monogram initials "M.L.D." at the top left corner of the front cover. Binding SIGNED in gilt by ''Lesort'' at the foot of the spine and with a small label "E. & A. Lesort, Paris" pasted to the top left corner of the front endpaper. With red Morocco leather inner plates (front and rear paste-down) richly addored with gilt frames and fleurons in inner corners. Free endpapers accompanied by red Moirée silk. Sold together with an original custom-made presentation Wooden Box with metal lock mechanism and satin interior, addored by embossed Monogram Initials "M.L.D." at the top of the hinged lid and SIGNED in gilt by ''E. & A. Lesort, Paris'' at the center of the beige satin cushion from the inner side of the box cover. Part of this set is also the communion card with handwritten text in French (verses or a prayer) and hand-colored addorations in color & gilt.

"Ces présentes Heures à l'usage de Rome, ornées de figures d'après l'édition de Simon Vostre du xxvii. Août Mil. CCCC. iiiivv. xviii. nouvellement gravées par E. Mouchon, furent achevées d'imprimer le xxvii. décembre mil huit cent quatre vingt dix par D. Jouaust, pour C. Gauthier, élève et successr, de Curmer, libraire à Paris."; Paris, L. Curmer, 1890; First edition; Full dark green Morocco leather binding with red Morocco inner plates. With stylised Damascus Silver Monogram initials "M.L.D." at the top left corner of the front cover. Spine with five raised bands, without lettering. All page edges gilt. Binding signed in gilt by ''Lesort'' at the foot of the spine. Small label "E. & A. Lesort, Paris" pasted to the top left corner of the front endpaper. With an original custom-made wooden box with metal lock mechanism and beige satin interior, addored by embossed Monogram Initials "M.L.D." at the top of the hinged lid and signed in gilt by ''E. & A. Lesort, Paris'' at the center of the beige satin cushion from the inner side of the box cover; Size of the book: 18,5 x 12,5 cm (7.3" x 4.2"); Size of the wooden box: 23 x 17,5 x 3,5 cm (9" x 6.9" x 1.4"); Text in Latin and French; Collation complete - Free endpaper, (1) blank leaf, Engraved title page, 192 illuminated pages including 18 full-page engraved plates, (1) blank leaf, free endpaper; Full leather binding is strong, tight and firm, overall in pristine condition, with negligible rubbing and discoloration. Damascus silver monogram initials "M.L.D." with little patina, othervise a whole and in excellent condition. Pages/Text block in immaculate condition, clean and bright, no any marks or foxing throughout, completely without any faults. Overall the condition of the book is NEAR FINE. Wooden box with some wears outside, but remains whole, strong and secure, internally well preserved, only little dusty and with a short tear to the inner satin hinge.