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Stinky Old Books

1850s Livre de Mariage | Velvet Wedding Missal w/Large Intricate Clasp

1850s Livre de Mariage | Velvet Wedding Missal w/Large Intricate Clasp

€535.00 EUR
€535.00 EUR
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Livre de Mariage, printed by Léon Curmer, Paris, France. Published c. late 1840s to early 1850s (based on the location of Curmer's shop). 

This treasure is a French luxury wedding missal. Curmer published variants of his Livre de Mariage starting in the late 1840s through the 1860s. These books were specifically designed to be high-end wedding gifts for wealthy French couples.

They contain Catholic prayers for the marriage ceremony, the Nuptial Mass, daily prayers for husband and wife, and family records pages. This edition specifically includes:

  • Contenant les Cérémonies et la Messe du Mariage: The official Catholic Marriage Ceremonies and the Nuptial Mass.
  • Les Cérémonies du Baptême: The full rite for Holy Baptism.
  • La Messe des Relevailles: The traditional "Churching of Women" Mass (a historic blessing given to mothers after childbirth).
  • Avec des lectures édifiantes tirées des orateurs chrétiens, etc.: Features inspirational, moral readings selected from famous historic Christian orators and preachers.
Léon Curmer (1801–1881) was one of the most famous Parisian publishers of the Romantic era. He was renowned for creating high-end, heavily illustrated religious works, missals, and literature.
This edition features a cover in a warm-toned grey/beige silk velvet. The edges of the velvet boards are protected by decorative metal corner brackets (clous) featuring intricate floral scrollwork; the spine includes a metal plate that reads 'Mariage,' with additional metal flourishes at the top and bottom; the matching clasp is the focal point. Its grand scale and intricate design are further highlighted by the contrasting colors of the metal. 
All page edges are gold-gilt; the endpapers are ivory watered moire silk; there are carved plates throguhout; border designs around all content; and the cover page features a hand-painted image of two rings in front of a cross surrounded by verdant florals and greenery. 

The family record pages remain unused. This piece would make the perfect 'something old' wedding gift for a new couple. 

French Language, 364 pages.

100 mm W x 140 mm H 

Condition: Marks to cover boards and spine, indent in velvet on cover, some wear to front hinges, faint spots of discoloration on endpapers, very minimal foxing to flyleaves. Exterior in good condition, interior in very good condition. 

Please review all photos closely and reach out with any questions. 

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