1895 Antique Deluxe Imperial Folio Holy Bible — A.J. Holman & Co.
Offered is a magnificent 1895 Deluxe Imperial Folio Holy Bible, published in Philadelphia by A.J. Holman & Co., Ltd.
Exceptionally large and remarkably preserved, this substantial volume measures approximately 13 inches in height and over 5 inches thick, giving it an imposing presence as both a historic book and a substantial piece of 19th-century craftsmanship.
The Pronouncing Edition Holy Bible features a parallel-column presentation, placing the King James Version alongside the Revised Version of 1881/1885. The volume is richly illustrated and includes extensive biblical reference material, family-record sections, and elaborate decorative details characteristic of deluxe Victorian Family Bibles.
WORLD'S FAIR AWARD PEDIGREE
One of the most historically significant features of this Bible is the United States Centennial Commission Judges' Report page, which is bound directly into the volume.
This original page documents the First Premium Gold Medal awarded to A.J. Holman, along with recognition associated with the historic 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition and the 1885 World's Industrial Exhibition.
Having this historical documentation preserved within the Bible provides an interesting connection to the publishing history and reputation of A.J. Holman & Co. during the late 19th century.
DISTINCTIVE FEATURES
MONUMENTAL IMPERIAL FOLIO FORMAT
Measuring approximately 13 inches tall and over 5 inches thick, this is an exceptionally substantial volume. The massive text block remains remarkably flat, squared, and straight.
EXCEPTIONALLY PRESERVED PAPER
The pages remain remarkably bright, clean, and crisp for a Bible dating to 1895, with very little foxing or age-related discoloration.
1895 PRESENTATION INSCRIPTION
A handwritten 1895 presentation inscription from DeKalb, Illinois appears within the volume, providing a personal historical connection dating to the year of publication.
UNUSED FAMILY REGISTRY
The dedicated family-record sections for Marriages, Births, and Deaths remain blank, clean, and unused. These pages were intended to preserve family history across generations.
ILLUSTRATED ART & FAMILY PORTRAIT GALLERY
The Bible contains an extensive collection of engraved illustrations and color plates, along with a dedicated Family Portrait gallery at the rear.
The portrait section retains its original die-cut window openings, which remain exceptionally well preserved.
ORNATE GILT DECORATION
The page edges feature triple-edge burnished gold gilt, complemented by ornate gold-rolled dentelle decoration along the inner covers.
TEXT & EDITION
Title: The Pronouncing Edition Holy Bible
Publisher: A.J. Holman & Co., Ltd.
Place of Publication: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Date: 1895
Format: Deluxe Imperial Folio
Height: Approximately 13 inches
Thickness: Over 5 inches
The volume presents the King James Version and Revised Version in parallel-column format, accompanied by extensive biblical reference material and illustrations.
CONDITION
This Bible is in exceptionally pristine condition for a volume dating to 1895, with both the exterior and interior remarkably preserved.
The original binding is exceptionally clean and well preserved, with its decorative elements and gilt detailing remaining sharp and attractive. The massive text block remains flat, squared, and straight, maintaining the impressive structural presence of this Imperial Folio.
Inside, the pages are remarkably bright, clean, and crisp, with very little foxing or age-related discoloration. The family registry pages remain clean, blank, and unused, while the Family Portrait gallery retains its delicate die-cut window openings in pristine condition.
The gilt page edges remain exceptionally bright, complementing the ornate gilt decoration throughout the volume.
Overall, this is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a late-19th-century deluxe Family Bible, particularly impressive considering its enormous size and age.
Please examine all photographs carefully. With more than 20 detailed photographs provided, buyers are encouraged to zoom in and inspect the binding, pages, artwork, gilt edges, family-record sections, and other features of this remarkable volume.
A REMARKABLE VICTORIAN FAMILY BIBLE
This 1895 Imperial Folio brings together scale, preservation, publishing history, family heritage, artwork, and late-Victorian craftsmanship in a single substantial volume.
From its monumental format and parallel-column Scriptures to its original World’s Fair documentation, 1895 presentation inscription, unused family registry, extensive artwork, and richly gilt decoration, this Bible offers a remarkable glimpse into the way Scripture and family history were preserved at the end of the 19th century.
An excellent addition to a collection of antique Bibles, Victorian books, Imperial Folio volumes, antiquarian books, American publishing history, or Christian historical material, or a distinctive centerpiece for a historic home library.
INQUIRIES
Interested in acquiring this piece? Please select the Inquire button and complete the inquiry form. Be sure to include the Collection Reference shown with this listing so we can quickly identify the item you're interested in.
Collection Reference: AS-1011
Every page has a story. Every story deserves to be preserved.
📜 Preserving History • Inspiring Faith • Connecting Generations.