Antique Victorian American Family Bible — Bradley, Garretson & Co., c. 1881–1882
Offered is a substantial Victorian-era American Family Bible, published circa 1881–1882 by the well-known subscription publisher Bradley, Garretson & Co.
Measuring approximately 5 inches thick, this impressive Premium Folio combines Scripture, biblical reference material, extensive illustrations, family-record pages, and elaborate Victorian bookbinding.
Of particular historical interest is the volume's connection to the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition, including a dedicated page documenting awards and recognition associated with the Bible's printing and binding.
CENTENNIAL EXPOSITION CONNECTION
The Bible contains a dedicated page concerning the historic 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition, the United States' first World's Fair.
The volume also preserves text from the United States Centennial Commission praising the quality of the printing and binding.
Having this documentation preserved within the Bible provides an interesting connection between the volume and one of the most important international exhibitions of the 19th century.
DISTINCTIVE FEATURES
PARALLEL BIBLE PRESENTATION
The volume presents the traditional King James Version alongside the Revised Version of 1881, allowing the two English translations to be viewed in parallel.
APOCRYPHA & PSALMS IN METRE
The volume includes the Apocrypha as well as the Psalms of David in Metre, adding to its extensive textual content.
ORIGINAL VICTORIAN PHOTOGRAPHS
Unlike many surviving Family Bibles whose portrait sections are now empty, this copy retains original Victorian photographs, including Tintypes and Carte de Visite (CDV) photographs.
PENNSYLVANIA PHOTOGRAPHER'S CARD
Among the photographic material is an original photographer's card bearing the inscription:
“SWORDS, No. 6 West Market St., York, PA.”
This provides an additional connection to the history of the York, Pennsylvania area and the family photographs preserved within the Bible.
BINDING & DECORATIVE FEATURES
ORIGINAL LEATHER BINDING
The substantial boards retain their original heavy, deep-relief leather covering.
ORNATE COVER DESIGN
The covers feature an elaborate machine-stamped quatrefoil and cross design, complemented by gold-leaf floral decoration.
RAISED-PANEL SPINE
The spine features deep decorative panels separated by raised horizontal bands, with prominent gilt lettering.
GILT PAGE EDGES
The text block retains its original gold-gilt finish on all three edges, producing a striking appearance when the Bible is closed.
ILLUSTRATIONS & FAMILY RECORDS
The volume contains an extensive collection of illustrative engravings and color chromolithographs, characteristic of the richly illustrated Victorian Family Bible tradition.
The central Marriage, Birth, and Death registry pages remain completely blank, crisp, and unused.
Together with the original photographs preserved elsewhere in the volume, these blank registry pages provide an interesting contrast between the Bible's intended role as a family record and the history that was eventually preserved within its pages.
CONDITION
This Bible is in very good antique condition, with its substantial structure remaining sound and the interior generally well preserved.
Binding:
The original covers remain firmly attached. There is minor superficial cracking along portions of the exterior leather joints, consistent with the age and construction of the volume.
Illustration:
One heavy engraving plate depicting David has a clean approximately 2½-inch split across the bottom margin. There is no missing paper and no loss to the artwork.
Interior:
A small separation puncture is present deep within the blank inner margin of one text page. It does not extend into or affect the printed text.
Paper:
The pages display light, uniform natural yellow toning around the outer margins. A few pages have minor brittleness or wear along the extreme edges, but these areas do not affect the printed text.
The interior remains free of foxing, mold, and heavy water staining.
Please examine all photographs carefully. The photographs form an important part of the condition description and provide a detailed view of the binding, artwork, photographs, family-record pages, and areas of age-related wear.
PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Publisher: Bradley, Garretson & Co.
Date: Circa 1881–1882
Format: Premium Folio
Thickness: Approximately 5 inches
Binding: Original embossed leather with gilt decoration
Page Edges: Gold gilt on all three sides
A VICTORIAN RECORD OF SCRIPTURE, ART & FAMILY HISTORY
This substantial Family Bible brings together several fascinating aspects of 19th-century American history: Victorian bookmaking, biblical publishing, World's Fair recognition, photography, and family heritage.
Its Centennial Exposition documentation, parallel Bible presentation, extensive illustrations, original Victorian photographs, York, Pennsylvania photographer's card, and unused family registry make it a particularly interesting volume to explore.
An excellent addition to a collection of antique Bibles, Victorian books, Family Bibles, antiquarian books, American publishing history, photography, or historical material, or a distinctive centerpiece for a historic home library.
INQUIRIES
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Collection Reference: AS-1002
Every page has a story. Every story deserves to be preserved.
📜 Preserving History • Inspiring Faith • Connecting Generations.