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Antique German Birthday & Memorial Book with 50 Years of Italian Family History
Offered is a beautiful antique German remembrance book titled:
Im Wandel des Jahres – Ein Geburtstags- und Gedenktagsbuch
(“Through the Course of the Year – A Birthday and Memorial Book”)
Published in Leipzig by Meissner & Buch.
What makes this copy especially unique is its remarkable family provenance. The book was presented as a Christmas gift in Trieste in 1890 and was carefully used by one Italian family for approximately 50 years to record births, deaths, marriages, and significant life events.
Presentation Inscription
“Alla mia carissima sorella Margherita. Trieste. Natale 1890. Camillo.”
Translated:
“To my dearest sister Margherita. Trieste. Christmas 1890. — Camillo.”
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Family History Recorded Inside
The handwritten Italian entries document numerous family events including:
* Christmas gift inscription dated 1890
* Death of family members
* Births of children and grandchildren
* Birth of Margherita in Milan (1923) with birth time and weight recorded
* Death of a husband in Rome (1940)
* Arrival at Anzio (1908)
* Departure from New York (1909) aboard the famous German ocean liner Kronprinzessin Cecilie
* Arrival at Cherbourg (1909) aboard the same ship
* References to Trieste, Milan, Rome, Rio de Janeiro, New York, Cherbourg, Pesaro, and other locations
These handwritten notes transform the book into a fascinating genealogical record of an Italian family spanning Europe, North America, and South America.
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Features
* Original decorative cloth binding with gilt decoration
* Beautiful chromolithograph illustrations throughout
* Decorative title pages
* Original handwritten family entries from approximately 1890–1940
* Historical and genealogical interest
* German text with Italian family inscriptions
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Condition
Good antique condition.
* Complete text block
* Original binding
* Expected foxing and age toning throughout
* Interior hinge split/separated (see photographs)
* Normal wear consistent with age
* Please examine all photographs carefully as they form part of the description.
