1616 King James Bible Leaf — 1 Chronicles 27–29, Ruled in Red
Original 1616 King James Bible Leaf — “Ruled in Red” Printing
Own an extraordinary piece of early English Bible printing history. This genuine 1616 King James Bible (KJV) leaf, printed in London by Robert Barker, Printer to the King, preserves more than four centuries of history in a remarkably attractive and collectible format.
What immediately distinguishes this leaf is its striking red ruling, framing the printed text in vibrant hand-applied lines. This uncommon decorative treatment transforms an already historic Bible page into a visually distinctive example of early seventeenth-century bookmaking and presentation.
Featured Scripture — 1 Chronicles 27–29
This leaf preserves a powerful sequence from the closing chapters of 1 Chronicles, spanning Chapters 27, 28, and 29.
Among the passages represented are:
King David's public charge to his son Solomon concerning the building of the Temple of the Lord.
Detailed accounts of the gold, silver, precious stones, and other materials gathered for the Temple.
David's beautiful prayer of praise before the assembled congregation, beginning with the memorable words:
“Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory...”
Together, these chapters capture a significant moment in the biblical account of David, Solomon, and the preparations for the Temple.
The “Ruled in Red” Feature
The vibrant red ruling is the defining visual characteristic of this leaf.
Hand-ruled lines of this nature were an additional decorative treatment applied to certain early printed books and could significantly enhance the appearance and presentation of a volume. On this surviving leaf, the red lines remain clearly visible and provide an elegant contrast against the historic paper and dark printed type.
Whether appreciated as an example of early book decoration, typography, or the physical history of the English Bible, the red ruling gives this particular leaf a distinctive character.
Technical Specifications
Year of Printing: 1616
Translation: King James Version (Authorized Version)
Printer: Robert Barker, London
Content: 1 Chronicles 27–29
Format: Folio
Dimensions: Approximately 8½" × 12½"
Typography: Early seventeenth-century Roman type with marginal notes and stylized header elements
Decorative Feature: Hand-ruled red lines
Authenticity: Accompanied by a physical Certificate of Authenticity
Condition & Authenticity
Condition: Excellent antique condition. The original handmade rag paper remains remarkably strong and crisp, with excellent ink contrast and minimal natural edge-toning consistent with its age.
The vibrant red ruling remains an especially attractive feature of the leaf and provides an excellent foundation for archival presentation or custom framing.
Authenticity: Accompanied by a physical Certificate of Authenticity identifying the leaf as a 1616 King James Bible printing.
Preservation & Display
Measuring approximately 8½" × 12½", this folio leaf is ideally proportioned for archival matting and display.
Its combination of early King James Bible text, substantial age, attractive typography, and distinctive red ruling makes it a particularly striking addition to a private antiquarian Bible collection, historical library, study, or other carefully curated display.
Responsible Preservation
Ages of Scripture offers individual historical leaves recovered from incomplete or damaged historical volumes that are no longer intact as complete books. By preserving these surviving pages, we give individual fragments of biblical printing history an opportunity to be studied, appreciated, and cared for by future generations.
INQUIRIES
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Collection Reference: AS-1018
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