1744 Dutch Bible - Leather . Brass . 6 Fold Out Maps . Approx 282 Illustrations For Sale

Antiquarian Dutch Bible. Title page dated 1741. New Testament and Apocrypha dated 1744.

6 still-attached fold out maps. Approx. 47 still intact and attached dedicated pages of engravings with 6 illustrations on each page (approx. 282 ). They are thin like the text paper and easy to miss unlike the map paper which is thick  so theyre might be a few more.

There are also lots of other separate isolated decorations on Chapter, Title and other pages scattered throughout.

Functioning and solidly attached brass hardware clasps with one tiny missing brass nail.

Front cover is detached. Back cover hinge appears to have been repaired at some point but holding for now although there is a gutter visible on the inside where the missing blank free endpapers would have been. Both front and rear blank free end papers are absent.

There are 2 loose pieces of old paper with previous owners writings on them that were not from the bible itself and a few dried flowers laid in that are provided.

There are no markings or other types of annotations in the textblock itself but there are some and 2 pastedowns on the insides of both covers.

With one exception: a bold signature (???) written in ink on the \"Act of Authorization\" page under \"By Order of Their Excellencies,\"... which ive been unable to decipher or authenticate definitively.

*see photograph.

With some other names written under it and January 18th 1774\".

Clear, \"invisible\" acid-free archival tape has been used on the backs of the maps, illustrations and other pages only where necessary to reinforce closed tears to prevent further separating. There are some pages that have suffered small areas of loss near the extremities and some moisture stains ive provide a few examples of. The maps are still attached as shown with just one having a small area of loss at the top right corner margin area you can zoom in on. 

I have already reattached a few missing pieces that a previous owner had the foresight to lay in and hopeful of more as it is a massively thick book with many places to hide things like flowers and extraneous notes.

This Bible was obviously a working book and is certainly not perfect and has been handled and read a lot in its 280 year life but somehow made it this far in its current condition when most have not at all in any state or with some or all of the maps and illustration pages removed.

And tho obviously not pristine, this is still a precious survivor and a treasure, despite its handling wear and flaws. Especially the fold out maps which are more often than not tragically removed and sold separately for over $200 and up and usually in way worse condition than the ones here.

I make no pretense at being an expert in Dutch or Dutch Bibles and have no knowledge as to whether or not there were additional maps or engravings as I have not seen, nor will I ever likely see, another one from this print run. The internet is no help as it is rife with fraud, intentional or not, with sellers claims all over the place regarding the actual numbers of maps and illustrations and I have to throw my hands up and offer this item as is. If there is anything missing I would have no way of knowing as I have nothing to compare this massive book with despite all the conflicting claims of sellers with similar items. There do appear to be significantly less or no maps and illustrations in other offerings which are rare to begin with.

Please see my photos and feel free to request any additional info or pics that would address your concerns prior to purchase as there are no refunds or returns for this item. I am only allowed 24 pictures and would be glad to provide serious buyers with other specific shots.

*The colored page markers are not permanently attached and only temporary to facilitate the documentation and description.

*Ships from a pet and smoke free home with \'s fully covered ShipCover insurance.