French Leather-Bound Missel de Coutances et Avranches in Original Presentation Case
French Leather-Bound Missel de Coutances et Avranches in Original Presentation Case
Couldn't load pickup availability
Share
Refined early 20th-century French Catholic missal (Missel de Coutances et Avranches, selon le rit Romain), bound in rich burgundy leather with elegant gilt tooling. The cover features a Gothic-arch design accented with small gilt crosses and decorative motifs, while the spine is titled Missel in gold. The text block retains its warm gilded edges, enhancing its overall presentation.
The missal is preserved in its original fitted leather presentation case, finished in a textured surface with a brass clasp and lined in luminous golden silk. While unmarked, the case is of typical Parisian production quality and was designed specifically for the book, indicating it was sold as a complete devotional set.
Printed by Imprimerie Notre-Dame, Coutances (Éditeurs Diocésains), this edition is specific to the dioceses of Coutances and Avranches, offering a more localized liturgical text. The interior is richly ornamented with decorative borders, ecclesiastical engravings, and period typography.
A notable and evocative detail is the gilt inscription inside the front cover: “M.P. – 7 Juin 1944,” placing the book squarely within the historical moment of WWII—just one day after D-Day, in the very region of Normandy. This adds a compelling personal and historical dimension to the piece.
A beautiful and complete devotional object combining craftsmanship, history, and presentation—ideal for collectors of French religious antiques or refined decorative use.
Refined early 20th-century French Catholic missal (Missel de Coutances et Avranches, selon le rit Romain), bound in rich burgundy leather with elegant gilt tooling. The cover features a Gothic-arch design accented with small gilt crosses and decorative motifs, while the spine is titled Missel in gold. The text block retains its warm gilded edges, enhancing its overall presentation.
The missal is preserved in its original fitted leather presentation case, finished in a textured surface with a brass clasp and lined in luminous golden silk. While unmarked, the case is of typical Parisian production quality and was designed specifically for the book, indicating it was sold as a complete devotional set.
Printed by Imprimerie Notre-Dame, Coutances (Éditeurs Diocésains), this edition is specific to the dioceses of Coutances and Avranches, offering a more localized liturgical text. The interior is richly ornamented with decorative borders, ecclesiastical engravings, and period typography.
A notable and evocative detail is the gilt inscription inside the front cover: “M.P. – 7 Juin 1944,” placing the book squarely within the historical moment of WWII—just one day after D-Day, in the very region of Normandy. This adds a compelling personal and historical dimension to the piece.
A beautiful and complete devotional object combining craftsmanship, history, and presentation—ideal for collectors of French religious antiques or refined decorative use.
6.75"h x 4.5"w x 2"d
6.75"h x 4.5"w x 2"d
Missals were essential to Catholic worship, guiding the faithful through the Mass. Regional editions such as this reflect the specific liturgical customs of French dioceses prior to later standardizations.
Presentation copies were often gifted for significant religious milestones (First Communion, Confirmation, or family heirlooms), typically housed in protective cases to preserve their condition. By the 20th century, these remained cherished personal objects, often retaining inscriptions that mark meaningful historical moments.
Missals were essential to Catholic worship, guiding the faithful through the Mass. Regional editions such as this reflect the specific liturgical customs of French dioceses prior to later standardizations.
Presentation copies were often gifted for significant religious milestones (First Communion, Confirmation, or family heirlooms), typically housed in protective cases to preserve their condition. By the 20th century, these remained cherished personal objects, often retaining inscriptions that mark meaningful historical moments.
Early–mid 20th century (circa 1930s–1940s; inscription dated 1944 and 1938 in Table)
Early–mid 20th century (circa 1930s–1940s; inscription dated 1944 and 1938 in Table)
Leather binding with gilt tooling, gilt-edged pages, printed paper, silk-lined leather presentation case, brass clasp
Leather binding with gilt tooling, gilt-edged pages, printed paper, silk-lined leather presentation case, brass clasp
France (Coutances & Avranches diocesan printing), with original presentation case and dated personal inscription “7 Juin 1944”
France (Coutances & Avranches diocesan printing), with original presentation case and dated personal inscription “7 Juin 1944”
Good antique condition. Leather shows age-related wear, scuffing, and patina. Gilt edges remain present with some wear. Interior pages are clean with light toning. Presentation case shows visible exterior wear and rubbing but remains structurally sound with intact clasp and interior lining.
Good antique condition. Leather shows age-related wear, scuffing, and patina. Gilt edges remain present with some wear. Interior pages are clean with light toning. Presentation case shows visible exterior wear and rubbing but remains structurally sound with intact clasp and interior lining.