1881 Antique A.J. Holman Family Bible β Comparative N T, Gold-Gilt Edges
A substantial 1881 American Family Bible published by A.J. Holman & Co. of Philadelphia, distinguished by its impressive scale, original factory binding, brilliant gilt edges, illustrated plates, comparative New Testament material, and a remarkable New Jersey family history recorded within the volume.
PUBLICATION & EDITION
Publisher: A.J. Holman & Co., No. 1222 Arch Street, Philadelphia
Publication Date: 1881
Format: Massive, heavy family/pulpit-scale volume
Contents: Old Testament, New Testament, Apocrypha, Psalms, and Cruden's Complete Concordance
THE 1881 COMPARATIVE NEW TESTAMENT
One of the most historically interesting features of this Bible is its New Testament presentation dating to 1881βthe same year the English Revised Version of the New Testament was first published.
This volume contains two distinct New Testament sections, providing an unusual opportunity to examine the biblical text and the changing English-language presentation of Scripture during this important period of Bible publishing.
For collectors of nineteenth-century Bibles, the 1881 date places this volume at an especially interesting point in the history of English Bible revision and American Bible publishing.
ORIGINAL A.J. HOLMAN FACTORY BINDING
The Bible retains its substantial original brown leather binding, featuring heavily cushioned boards and deeply embossed decorative tooling.
The exterior remains structurally solid and securely bound. Geometric gold tooling and the gilt title decoration reading "The Pictorial Bible" remain remarkably bright and well preserved.
BRILLIANT GOLD-GILT EDGES
All three outer edges of the text block retain their original gold gilt.
The gilt remains exceptionally bright and reflective, providing a striking contrast against the brown leather binding when the Bible is closed.
NEW JERSEY FAMILY HISTORY β 1882
One of the most compelling features of this volume is the family history preserved within its pages.
An ornate Holy Matrimony certificate and a handwritten presentation inscription indicate that the Bible was presented as a wedding gift from "Father" on June 7, 1882.
The family records document multiple generations of the SHEPPARD and FITZ RANDOLPH families, with connections to Newark, Roseville, and Plainfield, New Jersey.
The volume also bears the name and signature of George S. Mott, D.D., adding a personally identifiable historical connection to the family's record.
This handwritten material transforms the Bible from simply an antique printed volume into a tangible record of a particular family's history in nineteenth-century New Jersey.
ILLUSTRATIONS & MAPS
The volume contains numerous illustrated plates along with colorful topographical and street maps, including maps depicting Jerusalem and Egypt.
The illustrations and maps remain remarkably sharp and retain strong color for their age.
CONDITION
This Bible is in very good overall antique condition, with strong preservation of both its substantial binding and interior.
The text block remains tightly aligned, straight, and structurally sound. The paper is crisp and bright, with only minor yellowing from age and remarkably little foxing or iron-spotting.
The original leather binding remains firmly attached and structurally secure, with the decorative gold tooling retaining considerable brightness.
There is one clean tear measuring approximately 2 inches along the blank outer margin of the opening page of Genesis. The tear remains completely outside the printed text column and does not obscure or affect any wording.
A few margins also show light, natural edge smudging consistent with age and handling.
These localized imperfections are disclosed for accuracy and do not detract from the overall presentation and historical character of the volume.
PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Publisher: A.J. Holman & Co.
Address: No. 1222 Arch Street, Philadelphia
Year: 1881
Format: Massive Family/Pulpit Scale
Binding: Original brown leather with embossed and gilt decoration
Edges: Three-edge gold gilt
Contents: Old & New Testaments, Apocrypha, Psalms, Cruden's Complete Concordance, illustrated plates and maps
A HISTORIC AMERICAN FAMILY BIBLE
This 1881 A.J. Holman Family Bible brings together several layers of nineteenth-century history in a single volume: American Bible publishing, the important period of English Bible revision, elaborate Victorian bookbinding, illustrated biblical publishing, and a handwritten family history preserved from New Jersey.
The 1882 wedding presentation and subsequent family records give this particular copy a personal history that extends beyond the printed pages. Together with its original binding, bright gilt edges, extensive illustrations, and unusual New Testament presentation, it makes a fascinating addition to an antiquarian Bible collection.
COLLECTION REFERENCE
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Collection Reference: AS-1006
Every page has a story. Every story deserves to be preserved.
π Preserving History β’ Inspiring Faith β’ Connecting Generations.