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Casquet of Gems 1874 Antique Celluloid Poetry Book

Casquet of Gems 1874 Antique Celluloid Poetry Book

$220.00 USD
$220.00 USD
Sale Sold out
About This Piece

The front panel is what makes this one worth stopping for, a celluloid plaque printed in green and gilt with a Gothic cruciform border, a banner reading Casket of Gems, and a small spray of birds, lyre, and flowers. It is set into full green morocco with a richly gilt-tooled spine and brass edge mounts framing the panel. Published by William P. Nimmo in 1874, this is a Victorian gift anthology of selected verse, illustrated throughout with engraved plates and a chromolithographed half-title. An 1877 presentation inscription inside adds a quiet bit of history. The binding shows real wear, noted in full below, but the decorative front is unusual and reads beautifully on a shelf.

Details
Title
The Casquet of Gems: Choice Selections from the Poets
Editor
William P. Nimmo
Publisher
William P. Nimmo, London and Edinburgh
Date
1874
Binding
Full green morocco with celluloid front panel and brass edge mounts
Features
Gilt-tooled spine, all edges gilt, chromolithographed half-title
Illustrations
Engraved plates by J.M. Corner, engraved portrait group
Inscription
Presentation inscription dated January 5th 1877, to Miss P. Swanie; ownership signature E. Clay
Dimensions
7 in H x 5 in W x 1.5 in D
Language
English
Origin
United Kingdom
Condition

The front board is nearly detached. The front hinge is cracked through and the cords are exposed and starting to fail, so the cover hangs loosely and needs careful handling. The spine leather is worn at the head and tail with chips and losses at the crown. The celluloid front panel is scratched across the surface and lightly soiled, and the brass edge mounts show green verdigris at the corners. Inside, the text block is clean and tight with bright plates, and all edges gilt remain intact. This is a decorative copy with structural binding issues, priced and described accordingly. A capable binder could re-attach the front board.

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