Miniature New Testament, Eyre & Spottiswoode, Kaki Cloth Binding With Union Jack Decoration

The New Testament of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ:

Translated out of the original Greek; and with the former translations diligently compared and revised, by His Majesty's Special Command. Appointed to be read in Churches.

Published by Eyre & Spottiswoode, London.

Miniature Edition. Measures just 4.5cm x 5.5cm, 2.5cm thick.

Bound in Kaki cloth. Front board decorated with Union Jack flag, with red lined floral border. Spine decorated with red lined sword and title. The sword symbolising judgment and protection. An educated guess would determine this to be an issued Soldiers edition, based on the design and size. The publisher Eyre & Spottiswoode were known to supply the British Army with Bibles. In fact the The 2nd City of London Rifle Volunteer Corps was founded in 1860 as one of many such regiments raised in response to an invasion scare. Recruited in the Fleet Street area, largely from Eyre & Spottiswoode's printing works, it was known as "the Printers' Battalion". Among the first officers to be commissioned into the unit were George A. Spottiswoode and William Spottiswoode. When the unit became the 6th Battalion London Regiment (City of London Rifles) in the new Territorial Force in 1908, G Company was still mainly recruited from the company's employees. Unfortunately there are no further details or inscriptions within the book to confirm previous ownership.

CONDITION:

There are clear signs of age, use and wear. The cover has a little wear, front cover and spine design still good, just a little dulled with age. Joints holding very well with no splitting. A few noticeable red stains, a small dot along top edge of front board, a couple of spots to the right of the spines sword design, and a more lengthy diagonal stain on the rear board. The nature of the staining and the colour lends itself to possible blood staining, transfer from a hand wound perhaps. The text block edges are coloured red, with significant fading and further spots of staining. Inside hinges also holding well, with no spliting between the paste downs and end papers. Bookseller sticker glued to the bottom edge rear paste down.

The gutter webbing is visible between the title page, and the final page of Revelation. General condition of the text block is well worn/used. Much of the contents is age toned, foxed, many creases and corner folds. Page 9/10 has a torn top corner, resulting in around 6 lines of incomplete text. A few other pages have slight margin tears, without loss of text. Clearly a well used book, condition issues common with the small scale and thin pages, and nature of possible active soldier ownership.

Overall not so much a good reading copy, more of a collectors item. Of possible interest to militaria collectors, or those interested in different Bible editions etc. A scarce edition with the Union Jack design, in well used condition.

If you require any further information or photographs then please don't hesitate to get in touch. Please scroll through all the listing photographs for a good understanding of condition. We dispatch very well packaged via a Tracked & Signed For Service.

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