Vintage 1880 antique parishioner's missal, black cover, metal clasp

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Detailed Visual Description

This antique missal, a parish-type prayer book, is a rectangular volume with a black cover, visible in the photo. The cover features a simple embossed decoration with a geometric relief pattern, typical of religious editions from the late 19th century. A metal clasp adorns the side edge, securing the book's closure. This clasp has an elaborate shape, probably made of silver-plated metal or metal-effect material, whose patina testifies to the object's age. The edges of the pages, clearly visible, show a uniform gilt effect, reinforcing the precious and liturgical character of the volume.

The spine of the book is not visible, but the top edge reveals a slightly protruding blue textile bookmark, a traditional element on this type of work for marking prayer pages. The entire book is compact, with classic proportions for a pocket or handbag missal. The corners of the cover show slight wear, confirming the object's antiquity and its regular use over time.

The overall aesthetic clearly evokes the late 19th century, in perfect coherence with the "1880" mentioned in the keywords. This simple and functional style, combined with gilt-edged finishes and a decorative clasp, is characteristic of parish missals from this period.

The cover surface shows some signs of use, including slight marks and scuffs, without affecting the integrity of the structure. No title or text is legible on the visible side, which is common for some older copies with simple bindings.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. Shows visible signs of wear on the cover and edges, patina on the metal clasp, wear and tear on the corners. Structural integrity appears preserved on the visible side.

Did you know? In the late 19th century, many parish missals were equipped with metal clasps to protect the pages from humidity and symbolize the preciousness of the sacred word. Gilt edging was also a distinctive sign of religious works intended for frequent use, combining protection and liturgical aesthetics.

AFW Reassurance

Fast shipping and careful packaging by a professional seller specializing in antiques and old objects.

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