1880 Rare Book with Clasp - The Holy Bible Containing the Old and New Testaments

Author: —
Title: The Holy Bible, Containing the Old and New Testaments: Translated Out of the Original Tongues; and with the Former Translations Diligently Compared and Revised, by His Majesty’s Special Command. Appointed to be Read in Churches.
Publisher: London, Printed by G.E. Eyre and W. Spottiswoode, Printers to the Queen’s Most Excellent Majesty. Likely mid-to-late 19th century (c.1880s).
Language: Text in English.
Size: 5 x 3.5 inches.
Pages: Unpaginated, complete, including hymns at the end.
Binding: Attractive and very good original full dark brown textured leather binding, richly tooled in blind with geometric line patterns, gilt “Holy Bible” title on spine. Front board features an elaborate applied brass and enamel Star of David inset with green-enameled “IHS” Christogram, complemented by a working brass clasp. All edges gilt (faded to reddish tone), decorative gilt inner dentelles (hinges fine, overall slightly worn and scuffed - as shown) under a protective removable mylar cover. A beautiful binding!
Content: Very good content (bright, tight and clean, rare light foxing or staining - as shown, ownership inscription (“Jack Adams”) on preliminary leaf - as shown). 

Estimate: (USD 300–500).

The book: This exquisite Diamond 32mo pocket Bible is a superb example of Victorian devotional craftsmanship. Printed by the prestigious firm of Eyre and Spottiswoode, official printers to the Crown, this Bible was designed for private reading, personal devotion, or travel. The beautifully preserved dark leather binding is richly ornamented, but its most striking feature is the applied brass and enamel Star of David set with a Christian “IHS” Christogram, symbolizing the unity of Old and New Testament faiths. The brass clasp, still functional, protects the delicate pages within, while the inclusion of hymns at the rear reflects the Victorian era’s blending of Scripture and worship in daily life.

The printers: George Edward Eyre and William Spottiswoode were prominent London printers known for their royal appointments and excellence in fine printing. As official printers to the Crown, their Bibles were regarded for their textual accuracy and high production standards, contributing to the spread of Scripture in both ecclesiastical and private settings throughout the British Empire.