1616 King James Bible Leaf — Numbers 7–9, Ruled in Red
1616 King James Bible Folio Leaf — Numbers 7–9, Hand-Ruled in Red
Step into the world of Jacobean England with this genuine, original 1616 King James Bible folio leaf, printed in London by Robert Barker, Printer to the King's Most Excellent Majesty.
The 1616 edition represents an important early printing of the King James Bible and is particularly notable for its Roman typography, giving the page a clean and elegant appearance distinct from the Gothic Black Letter found in earlier English Bibles.
This remarkable leaf has been further distinguished by hand-applied red ruling, with carefully drawn red lines framing the text columns, headings, and margins. The ruling remains remarkably crisp and vibrant after more than four centuries, adding an especially distinctive visual character to the page.
Measuring approximately 8½" × 12¾", the leaf preserves a substantial sequence from the Book of Numbers, including the dedication of the Tabernacle, the consecration of the Levites, and the observance of Passover in the wilderness.
FEATURED SCRIPTURE
Numbers Chapters 7–9 — The Dedication, Passover & Pillar of Fire
The leaf preserves several important episodes from Israel's wilderness journey:
Numbers 7 — The offerings presented by the princes of Israel for the dedication of the altar.
Numbers 8 — The purification and consecration of the Levites for their service.
Numbers 9 — The command to observe the Passover in the wilderness of Sinai.
The remarkable description of the cloud by day and the appearance of fire by night, guiding the Israelites as they journeyed with the Tabernacle.
The combination of ceremonial detail, Passover observance, and the divine guidance of the wilderness journey gives this leaf a particularly rich Old Testament narrative.
HAND-RULED IN RED
One of the most distinctive features of this leaf is its hand-applied red ruling.
The red lines carefully frame the printed text columns, headings, and margins, creating a refined visual structure across the page. Unlike printed red decoration, these lines were added by hand after the leaf was printed.
The ruling remains remarkably bright, crisp, and neatly aligned, providing an excellent example of the decorative treatment that could be applied to early printed books.
Surviving 1616 copies with manuscript red ruling are documented in institutional collections, confirming that this type of hand-applied treatment was used with contemporary copies of the edition.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
The 1616 King James Bible was printed in London by Robert Barker, whose printing house produced several important editions of the Authorized Version. A complete 1616 Bible is recorded by the Folger Shakespeare Library as an Authorized Version folio printed by Barker in London.
This leaf therefore comes from an important early period in the history of the King James Bible, only a few years after its first publication in 1611.
Its combination of early KJV text, Roman typography, substantial folio dimensions, and surviving hand-applied red ruling makes it particularly attractive to collectors of early English Bibles and historical printing.
TYPOGRAPHY & VISUAL FEATURES
Original 1616 King James Bible printing
Printed in London
Printer: Robert Barker
Folio format
Approximately 8½" × 12¾"
Double-column biblical text
Elegant Roman typeface
Hand-applied red ruling
Red framing surrounding text columns and headings
Early 17th-century English biblical typography
AUTHENTICITY & CONDITION
Certificate of Authenticity:
This historic leaf is accompanied by an official Certificate of Authenticity documenting its identification.
Overall Condition:
Superb antiquarian condition for a leaf approximately 410 years old, with strong paper integrity and an exceptionally clean overall presentation.
Text & Red Ruling:
The printed text is complete, crisp, and fully legible across both sides of the leaf. The hand-applied red ruling remains remarkably vibrant, clean, and neatly aligned.
Bottom Margin & Corners:
The lower margin displays mild historical wrinkling and soft handling folds, with minor smoothing to the corners consistent with centuries of handling and preservation.
Tone & Patina:
The original rag paper exhibits a clean, uniform cream-colored age patina. The paper remains sturdy and crisp, providing an excellent foundation for archival preservation or display.
PRESERVATION & DISPLAY
The combination of the 1616 date, early King James Bible text, Roman typography, large folio format, and hand-applied red ruling makes this leaf particularly striking when displayed on its own.
For long-term preservation and professional framing, archival acid-free materials and appropriate UV-protective glazing are recommended.
A beautifully preserved example of early Jacobean Bible printing, this leaf offers a tangible connection to the continuing development of the King James Bible only a few years after its first publication.
INQUIRIES
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-1029
Every page has a story. Every story deserves to be preserved.
Preserving History • Inspiring Faith • Connecting Generations.