(1874) Boxed & Signed Silver Clasped Christian "Book of Hours"

We are offering here a beautiful Roman Catholic "Book of Hours" from 1874 published by Alfred Mame et Fils. This richly illuminated Christian devotional book contains 516 pages illustrated by famous French engravers A. Queyroy and A. Gusman, including a Frontispiece, Engraved title page, 25 engraved plates and 5 engraved chapter titles.

Bound in an UNIQUE dark teal Morocco leather binding with a Two Damascus Silver Clasps with long extensions in the shape of the "Tree of Life". Personalised copy with a dedication from 1884 chased in gilt to the front teal Moirée silk endpaper ("Offert a ma Chere Mere en Souvenir du plus beau jour de ma Vie - Marie Hiekel 26 Juin 1884"). Binding SIGNED in gilt to the bottom of the front paste-down by famous French binding house EMILE ROUSSELLE, a notable 19th-20th century French bookbinder renowned for exquisite, high-end bindings often crafted in fine leathers with intricate gilt detailing, silver clasps, and silk linings (books bearing the signature or stamp of Emile Rousselle are sought after by rare book collectors and frequently appear in specialized antiquarian catalogs via ILAB affiliates). With very rich decorated front and rear paste-down with gilt frames & fleurons and teal Moirée silk. Free endpapers also accompanied by teal Moirée silk. Pages/text block from high quality woven paper by Alfred Mame et Fils. Sold together with an original presentation Wooden Box covered in black paper and with marbled paper interior, featuring a white label inscribed "Paroissien (1ere Communion Marie)" pasted at the top of the box lid.

"Heures Romaines"; Tours, Alfred Mame et Fils, 1874; Dark teal Morocco leather binding with two damascus silver clasps with long extensions in shape of the "Tree of Life". Spine with five raised bands. Title embossed in silver to the spine. All page edges gilt; Size of the book: 16 x 12,8 cm (6.3" x 5"); Size of the wooden box: 17,4 x 14,6 x 3.8 cm (6.8" x 5.4" x 1.5"); Text in French; Collation complete - Free endpaper, (2) blank leaves, Engraved false-title, Frontispiece, Engraved title page, [20], 516 pages with 25 engraved plates included, (2) blank leaves, free endpaper; Full Morocco leather binding is tight and firm, overall in near fine condition, with insignificant bumping and discoloration, a few slight and negligible surface scratchings to the boards. Both silver clasps are in exceptional condition, whole and fully functional, no missing pieces/corners, only with little patina. Text block/pages in immaculate condition, clean and bright, no foxing or markings throughout. Overall the condition of the book is NEAR FINE. Wooden box is worn, but stable and whole.