{"product_id":"victorian-leather-bound-photographic-album-with-gilt-decoration-and-brass-clasps","title":"Victorian Leather-Bound Photographic Album with Gilt Decoration and Brass Clasps","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eAdditional Description: A handsome Victorian photographic album bound in richly textured leather and decorated with gilt ornamental panels and raised Gothic-inspired motifs. The cover features an elaborate recessed panel framed by gilt corner decorations with intricate foliate engraving, originally intended to frame a portrait photograph or title card.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe album retains its original two decorative brass clasps, which would have helped keep the heavy photographic pages securely closed. The exterior leather binding is embossed with scrolling and geometric ornament typical of late 19th-century Victorian decorative bookbinding.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eInside, the album contains its original thick card photographic mounts, each with oval cutouts designed to hold cartes de visite or cabinet card photographs. These albums were commonly used in the Victorian period to display portraits of family members, friends, and notable figures.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe interior pages are printed with decorative borders and ornamental typography, including a printed title page reading “Photographic Album – New York.” The heavy card pages and layered window mounts allowed photographs to be inserted and displayed neatly while protecting the images from damage.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAlbums of this type were popular household objects during the Victorian era and were often displayed in parlors where guests could browse family photographs.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEra: Late 19th Century\u003cbr\u003eCirca 1865–1885\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHistory: During the mid-to-late 19th century, the invention of cartes de visite and cabinet card photography made portrait photography widely accessible. Families often collected portraits of relatives, friends, and celebrities, storing them in specially produced photographic albums.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThese albums were frequently manufactured with ornate leather bindings, gilt ornament, and brass clasps, reflecting the Victorian fascination with decorative bookbinding and parlor display objects. Many were produced in Europe and the United States and sold through stationers and photographic studios.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAlbums like this served as both personal keepsakes and social objects, allowing families to share photographs during gatherings and visits.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eProvenance: Likely American manufacture, as suggested by the printed interior page referencing New York.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMaterials: Embossed leather binding\u003cbr\u003eGilt decorative panels\u003cbr\u003eBrass clasps\u003cbr\u003eHeavy card photographic mounts\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDimensions: TBD\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDisclaimers: Wear to leather binding consistent with age and handling\u003cbr\u003eLosses and rubbing to gilt decoration\u003cbr\u003eInterior pages show foxing, creasing, and age-related wear\u003cbr\u003eSome page tears and losses present\u003cbr\u003ePhotographs are not included\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"For the Louvre of Antiques LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48368259236095,"sku":null,"price":155.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0725\/8780\/4927\/files\/6a5281e0-eb23-4a86-8dd2-2f018d14db93.png?v=1775349492","url":"https:\/\/forthelouvreofantiques.com\/fr\/products\/victorian-leather-bound-photographic-album-with-gilt-decoration-and-brass-clasps","provider":"For the Louvre of Antiques LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}