1860 Scarce Wallet Bible - New Testament of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ

Author: The Holy Bible.
Title: The New Testament of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ; together with The Book of Psalms.
Publisher: New York, American Bible Society, 1860.
Language: Text in English.
Size: 4 x 2.5 inches.
Pages: 368 pages (New Testament) + 96 pages (Psalms).
Binding: Very good original full black leather binding, richly textured with blind-tooled borders and a central panel, retaining its original form and charm. Light wear to extremities as expected, with a distinctive wallet design, adding to its character. All edges gilt, still bright (hinges fine, overall slightly worn and scuffed - as shown) under a protective removable mylar cover.
Content: Very good content, generally clean and well-preserved, with light, even toning. A printed devotional prayer has been carefully pasted onto the first blank pages, accompanied by a contemporary handwritten gift inscription (“Frank Smith from his teacher…”), lending a touching personal and historical dimension to the volume.

Estimate: (USD 300 - 350).

The book: A finely produced mid-19th century miniature Bible, issued by the American Bible Society at a time when such portable editions were widely distributed for personal devotion and missionary work. Its compact format made it ideal for daily reading, travel, or discreet carrying, embodying both practicality and spiritual intimacy.

This example is particularly appealing for its original gilt edges, well-preserved leather binding, and the presence of a period printed prayer and inscription, offering a glimpse into its life as a cherished personal object. Such traces of ownership transform the book from a mere text into a quiet witness of faith, memory, and human connection across generations.