Beautiful and rare case containing a French Book of Hours and a matching case.
The title translates as 'Book of Hours according to the Roman Rite'. It was published in Le Mans by Edmond Monnoyer in 1881.
A text from the bishop of Le Mans explains the book contains the morning and evening prayers, the prayers for Confession, the acts before and after Communion, the offices of Sunday and Feasts, the common and proper of the Saints, the prayers of Salvation, the Mass and the ceremonies of marriage.
Several blank pages at the beginning for 'Souvenirs'.
Some psalms and texts are translated in Latin but many texts are in French only.
There is an explanation of some of the engravings seen in the book at the end (page 727). The borders have been engraved by Mouchon after the Book of Hours printed by Ph. Pigouchet, Simon Vostre et Kerver in Paris between 1497 and 1500. The text explains the themes of the borders and on which pages to find them.
There are several full-page black and white engravings too. 
The unusual blue leather cover has a beautiful floral decoration in silver metal. The leather has small sign of age and use: discolouration, small scratches and small worn parts especially on the spine and corners (leather missing).
The book comes with a silk and paper protection.
Gold edges of the paperblock haas small marks but is still in good condition. The interior is in good condition with only minor imperfections. There are several small stains, foxing, slight discolouration but nothing too serious.
The matching hard case or purse has the same floral decoration as the book.
The leather has completely discoloured and is stained. The original blue is only visible around the silver decor.
The clasp doesn't work anymore.
The inside shows small signs of use: small stains and slight wear.
There is a space to store cards or paper on each side. There is also a mechanical pencil (it is dented) placed on a  cream hard rectangle.
The book and its purse are in a black case with the monogram EB. 
The case is very worn and scratched. The leather and paper are missing in places (especially at the bottom and on the sides). 
The clasp functions properly.
The inside has small stains and the material is torn at the hinge.
The name V. PALME and PARIS are embossed in gold on one side. Victor Palmé was a bookshop owner and publisher in Paris.
Size of black case: 26 x 20.3 x 4.8 cm / 10.23 x 7.99 x 1.88 inches
Size book: 15.6 x 11.9 x 3.2 cm / 6.14 x 4.68 x 1.25 inches
Size purse: 11.2 x 7.7 x 1.2 cm / 4.40 x 3.03 x 0.47 inches
Total weight: 1.185 kilograms.
The pictures are part of the description.
 
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