19th-Century Manuel de Dévotion with Gilt Monogram Cover and Figural Metal Clasp
19th-Century Manuel de Dévotion with Gilt Monogram Cover and Figural Metal Clasp
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Compact 19th-century Catholic devotional book titled Manuel de Dévotion, ou Recueil de Prières, bound in black pebbled leather over boards with a gilt metal monogram applied to the front cover, surmounted by a small cross. The spine is titled in gilt “Manuel de Dévotion.”
The book retains its original figural metal clasp, featuring a relief portrait of Christ within an oval cartouche, mounted on a hinged strap; the clasp remains present and functional. Page edges are gilt, now deeply mellowed to a warm bronze tone with visible striations from hand-gilding.
The interior includes engraved devotional plates, including a full-page engraving of St. Joseph with the Christ Child, captioned “St. Joseph, cher à Jésus, soyez mon protecteur”, published in Paris. The title page reads:
MANUEL DE DÉVOTION
ou
RECUEIL DE PRIÈRES
Nouvelle Édition
Published in Anvers (Antwerp) by D. Spitaels, Imprimeur-Libraire, Chaussée de Borgerhout, with ecclesiastical approval noted. The book includes a Table des Fêtes Mobiles listing dates from 1866 through 1877, firmly situating its production in the mid-19th century.
Endpapers are plain, with visible age toning, foxing, and handling marks consistent with long devotional use.
Compact 19th-century Catholic devotional book titled Manuel de Dévotion, ou Recueil de Prières, bound in black pebbled leather over boards with a gilt metal monogram applied to the front cover, surmounted by a small cross. The spine is titled in gilt “Manuel de Dévotion.”
The book retains its original figural metal clasp, featuring a relief portrait of Christ within an oval cartouche, mounted on a hinged strap; the clasp remains present and functional. Page edges are gilt, now deeply mellowed to a warm bronze tone with visible striations from hand-gilding.
The interior includes engraved devotional plates, including a full-page engraving of St. Joseph with the Christ Child, captioned “St. Joseph, cher à Jésus, soyez mon protecteur”, published in Paris. The title page reads:
MANUEL DE DÉVOTION
ou
RECUEIL DE PRIÈRES
Nouvelle Édition
Published in Anvers (Antwerp) by D. Spitaels, Imprimeur-Libraire, Chaussée de Borgerhout, with ecclesiastical approval noted. The book includes a Table des Fêtes Mobiles listing dates from 1866 through 1877, firmly situating its production in the mid-19th century.
Endpapers are plain, with visible age toning, foxing, and handling marks consistent with long devotional use.
5" x 3.5"w
5" x 3.5"w
Manuels de dévotion were personal Catholic prayer books intended for daily use, containing structured prayers, meditations, Stations of the Cross, feast tables, and special devotions. Antwerp was an important center of Catholic printing in the 19th century, serving both Belgian and French-speaking audiences.
Bindings with metal clasps and applied monograms were designed to protect the text block and to personalize the book, often indicating ownership, a devotional identity, or a gift marking for milestones such as Confirmation or lifelong private prayer. The inclusion of movable feast tables reflects the book’s practical liturgical function, allowing users to follow the Church calendar year after year.
Manuels de dévotion were personal Catholic prayer books intended for daily use, containing structured prayers, meditations, Stations of the Cross, feast tables, and special devotions. Antwerp was an important center of Catholic printing in the 19th century, serving both Belgian and French-speaking audiences.
Bindings with metal clasps and applied monograms were designed to protect the text block and to personalize the book, often indicating ownership, a devotional identity, or a gift marking for milestones such as Confirmation or lifelong private prayer. The inclusion of movable feast tables reflects the book’s practical liturgical function, allowing users to follow the Church calendar year after year.
Mid-19th Century (circa 1860s–1870s)
Mid-19th Century (circa 1860s–1870s)
Black leather, Brass monogram with cross, Figural metal clasp and hinge hardware, Gilt-edged paper, printed and engraved paper contents
Black leather, Brass monogram with cross, Figural metal clasp and hinge hardware, Gilt-edged paper, printed and engraved paper contents
Belgium (Anvers / Antwerp)
Belgium (Anvers / Antwerp)
Wear, rubbing, and surface losses to leather consistent with age
Softening and rounding to board edges and spine ends
Patina and oxidation to metal monogram and clasp
Foxing, toning, and staining to interior pages
Evidence of long devotional handling; binding remains intact and clasp functional
Wear, rubbing, and surface losses to leather consistent with age
Softening and rounding to board edges and spine ends
Patina and oxidation to metal monogram and clasp
Foxing, toning, and staining to interior pages
Evidence of long devotional handling; binding remains intact and clasp functional