Romanian Altar Gospel from the 18th century

A rare and beautiful copy of Orthodox Evangelion with luxury purple velvet binding with brass clasps and corner and center ornaments. Woodcut printed text and hand-colored illustrations. The book contains multiple hand inscriptions that are only partially legible.

The pencil inscription on the front flyleaf contains references to Sarajevo, Bosnia, and Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria, as well as the years: 1911 and 1914. It is possible that the text in some way refers to the Bosnian crisis which served as a prelude to WWI. But, since we have not been able to translate the entire text, we cannot be certain of the context. In the Romanian language, in old Cyrillic script.

Pp. /6/ + 344 (Cyrillic numeration); 4 hand colored illustrations, vignettes; initials.

Size: 31.2 x 21 cm.

Binding: Luxury purple velvet binding with two brass clasps and brass decorations on the covers. Renewed leather spine and renewed endpapers. The front cover was damaged along the edges, with stains and candle wax. Metal decorations scratched and oxidized (resulting in the change of color). The back cover was damaged along the edges.

Condition: Pencil and ink inscription throughout the text block. Some foxing, moisture stains, and candle wax. Some pages are damaged along the edges (creases and tears).

For condition and details see the scans. DHL shipping included. If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact us!