Antique 1871 German Catholic Prayer Book Tempel der Heiligen Gottes Benziger IHS For Sale

DESCRIPTION:Antique German-language Catholic prayer and devotional book:“Tempel der Heiligen Gottes”Vollständiges Andachts- und Gebetbuch für katholische ChristenPublished by Gebr. Karl und Nikolaus Benziger
Einsiedeln, New-York und CincinnatiCopyright page states:
“Entered according to act of Congress, in the year 1871, by Benziger Brothers, in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.”A beautiful small-format 19th-century Catholic devotional book with a highly decorative embossed leather binding. (6 x 3.75 inch)The front cover features elaborate gilt ornamentation surrounding a central IHS Christogram. The spine is also richly decorated in gilt and titled “Tempel der Heiligen.”One of the most attractive features is the richly finished page block, with decorative gilt page edges showing an ornate patterned effect that complements the elaborate cover decoration.The book contains German-language prayers and devotional texts printed in Fraktur type, along with religious illustrations and engraved devotional images.A church calendar is also present, listing movable feast dates from 1870 through 1893.FEATURES:• Antique German Catholic prayer book
• Copyright 1871
• Benziger Brothers / Gebr. Karl und Nikolaus Benziger
• Einsiedeln, New York and Cincinnati
• German-language text
• Gothic / Fraktur typography
• Ornate embossed leather binding
• Extensive gilt decoration to covers and spine
• Central IHS Christogram
• Ornately decorated gilt page edges
• Religious engravings / illustrations
• Metal clasp hardware
• More than 500 numbered pages
• Small-format devotional book
• Excellent display piece for a Catholic, German-American, religious or antiquarian book collectionAlso included are three late-19th-century German Catholic devotional inserts found laid into the book, including an 1894 St. Vincent’s Union card, a German Catholic Holy Land/Palestine devotional leaflet, and a mission souvenir card. These are separate devotional ephemera and are included exactly as found within the volume.CONDITION:Antique condition with substantial age and binding wear.The leather along the spine and hinges shows significant deterioration, loss and separation. The binding is fragile and should be handled carefully.The front and rear covers have been reinforced/repaired at the inner hinges with visible white tape, which helps hold the covers in place. The repair is clearly shown in the photographs.The covers themselves retain very attractive embossed and gilt decoration despite the edge and spine wear.The decorative gilt page edges remain visible and retain much of their ornamental appearance.Pages show expected age toning, occasional spotting and discoloration consistent with age.There is an old handwritten notation on the inside cover/endpaper.Please review all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description.Sold as an antique collectible in its present condition.Despite the binding wear and old repair, this remains a visually striking 19th-century German Catholic devotional book, especially notable for its ornate gilt leather binding, IHS centerpiece, decorative gilt page edges and engraved religious illustrations.ITEM SPECIFICS:Language: GermanReligion: CatholicTitle: Tempel der Heiligen GottesType: Prayer Book / Devotional Book / GebetbuchPublisher: Gebr. Karl und Nikolaus Benziger / Benziger BrothersPublication Locations: Einsiedeln, New York & CincinnatiCopyright Date: 1871Binding: Decorated LeatherSpecial Features: Gilt Decoration, Decorative Gilt Page Edges, IHS Christogram, Religious Illustrations, Metal ClaspOriginal / Facsimile: OriginalPeriod: 19th CenturySHIPPING:Will be carefully packed to protect the fragile antique binding during shipment.