1871 Cobbin’s Illustrated New Testament – Gilt Victorian Binding

1871 Cobbin’s Illustrated New Testament – Ornate Victorian Gilt Binding (Goodspeed & Co.)

Overview

A beautiful example of The Illustrated New Testament, featuring the explanatory notes and commentary of the Rev. Ingram Cobbin, M.A. Published in 1871 by J. W. Goodspeed & Co., with addresses in New York and Chicago, this substantial volume was designed for “the Study of the Family and the Sabbath-School.”

The edition is distinguished by its elaborate Victorian decorative program, incorporating numerous woodcut engravings, scenic views, historical maps, and ornamental chapter headings. Its substantial gilt-edged text block and richly decorated binding make it an appealing example of nineteenth-century Bible publishing and bookbinding.

Bibliographical Specifications

Year: 1871, as stated on the title page

Author/Commentator: Rev. Ingram Cobbin, M.A.

Publisher: J. W. Goodspeed & Co., No. 37 Park Row, New York / 148 Lake Street, Chicago

Text: Authorized Translation (King James Version)

Page Edges: Gold gilt to all three edges of the text block

Illustrations: Numerous woodcut engravings, biblical scenes, topographical views, historical maps, and decorative chapter headings

Deluxe Victorian Binding

Cover Design: A substantial dark brown presentation binding over thick, heavily beveled boards. The front and rear covers feature recessed geometric frameworks, ornate blind-stamped detailing, and gilt vignettes depicting biblical scenes and figures.

Spine: A substantial, prominently banded spine with raised bands, decorative blind-stamped floral patterns, and gilt-stamped lettering reading “COBBIN’S ILLUSTRATED NEW TESTAMENT / WITH NOTES.”

The elaborate tooling, beveled boards, and gilt decoration give the volume a distinctive High-Victorian appearance.

Detailed Condition

Interior Paper: The interior is in very good condition, with exceptionally bright, clean pages throughout. No foxing, water staining, or age spotting was observed during examination. The text remains crisp, with clear, dark impressions throughout the illustrated portions.

Binding and Exterior: The binding remains stable and highly presentable, with expected wear from age and use. Rubbing, scuffing, and minor surface wear are visible along the corners, hinge lines, and spine ends. The gilt decoration on the covers and spine, together with the gilt page edges, remains remarkably bright.

Gutter and Endpapers: The inner brown front endpapers are split along the hinge line, with some surface chipping around the edges of the flyleaves. The boards remain attached and securely held.

These condition notes reflect observations made during examination. Photographs accompanying the listing provide collectors with the opportunity to inspect the binding, interior, and other details independently.

Inquiry to Purchase

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Collection Reference: AS-1068

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