Vintage Mother of Pearl Covered Holy Bible
This vintage Holy Bible is presented in a cover of mother of pearl, with the front and reverse decorated in a geometric arrangement of carved and inlaid panels. The front cover is set with a central star motif, flanked by floral roundels, scrolling foliate panels and a border of small mother of pearl pieces, and the word BETHLEHEM is carved across a band near the lower section. The reverse features a central cross within a roundel, framed by similar carved panels and borders. The text block carries the title The Holy Bible, containing the Old and New Testaments, Authorized King James Version, printed by Collins’ Clear-Type Press in London and New York, with the imprint Glasgow, Toronto, Sydney and Auckland and the note Iona Clear-Type Text. Colour plates depicting biblical scenery, including a view captioned Mt. of Olives, are included.
Condition and Collectability
The mother of pearl covers show an overall even lustre, with the carved panels and inlaid borders remaining in place across both boards. Some wear is visible to the edges and corners of the covers, and the title page shows some toning and staining. The text block appears intact and the pages remain bound within the cover. As a combination of a decorative mother of pearl devotional cover and a mid-century King James Version text, the piece may appeal to collectors of religious antiques, Holy Land souvenirs and decorative mother of pearl work.