(1874) Boxed & Signed Roman Christian "Book of Hours" with 516 engraved pages

We are offering here a scarce French Catholic devotional book "Roman Hours" from 1874, with Frontispiece, Engraved title page, 25 engraved plates and 5 engraved chapter titles. All 516 pages richly illuminated and illustrated by famous French engravers A. Queyroy and A. Gusman.

Personalised copy bound in an unique maroon Morocco leather binding with large stylised Damascus Silver Monogram Initials "BH" at the center of the front board. Binding SIGNED by stamped signature "CH. MILET. REL." to the top left corner of the first flyleaf by famous French binder Charles Milet (binding executed by the workshop of Charles Milet, a French artisan bookbinder and gilder active primarily during the second half of the 19th century or the early 20th century; The abbreviation REL. simply stands for "Relieur" (bookbinder), allowing the craftsman to discreetly sign his work on fine editions). Very rich decorated front and rear paste-down with gilt frames 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 with brass lock mechanism and red satin interior.

"Heures Romaines"; Tours, Alfred Mame et Fils, 1876; Size of the book: 15,5 x 12,8 cm (6.1" x 5"); Size of the wooden box: 17,4 x 14,4 x 5,4 cm (6.8" x 5.6" x 2.1"); Maroon Morocco leather binding with stylised Damascus silver monogram initials"BH" at the center of the front board. Spine with five rised bands. All page edges gilt; Text in French; Collation - Free endpaper, False-title, Frontispiece, Engraved title page, (1) Colophon, [18] instead of [20] pages (leaf with calendar page and title of "Souvenirs" page missing), 516 pages with 25 engraved plates included, (2) blank leaves, free endpaper; Full Morocco leather binding is tight and firm, remains strong and secure, hinges and joint are whole, without faults or crackings. Binding overall in excellent condition, with minor bumping and discoloration, a few slight surface scratches. Damascus silver monogram also in immaculate condition, no missing parts/corners, only with negligible traces of patina. Pages/Text block in immaculate condition, clean and bright, no foxing or markings throughout, only a insignificant yellowing. Despite a missing leaf (with calendar page and title of "Souvenirs" page), overall the condition of the book is NEAR FINE. Wooden box with minor wears, remains whole, strong and secure, internally well preserved, only little dusty inside and with a broken satin strip connecting the two parts of the box, brass lock mechanism fully functional.