Falling under the Uncommon Treasure part of our collection, this is a French bible cover, likely one from a Catholic Church building or cathedral. I found it in France. It dates last half of 1800s and is formed of copper or zinc with copper surface, the exterior of which has a bright silver plate finish. Built to fit over the hard cover of a large bible, it is 12" x 8 3/4" and the spine has a depth of 3 1/4". Something in me wants to make it over with an antique book sized to fit, then cut-out in center to create a box interior - perhaps to hold one's hidden treasures. But you might wish to actually find a bible sized perfectly for it. A really beautiful old thing, well-preserved. There are large oval cabochons of semi-precious gems mounted on the front cover. The photos show it well and from all sides.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type, there are no bends or damage to divulge. It has a pressed or perhaps repousee worked sculptural feel to the Christ on the spine, is hinged very well, and both front and back have bas relief Saints or decorative ornamentation. Very pretty. Nowhere is the silver plate worn away or lost, so much be quite thick.
