This auction is for a rare, original leaf from the first printing of THE KING JAMES BIBLE, 1610 - 11. This Bible is considered to be one of the Landmark Monuments of English Literature.
This particular leaf is from the First Book of Samuel, including parts of Chapters XVII and XVIII. These Chapters provide an account of the slaying of Goliath by David.
This Bible is also known as "The Authorized Version" of the Bible, being created from the Greek & Hebrew Biblical manuscripts, considered to be the best available at that time. You will note that not only are there editorial marginalia, but there exists a hand written marginal note, most likely that of the original scholar or owner.
The first edition of the King James Bible was printed on hand made paper of 100% rag content. There were several misspellings in the King James Bible of 1611. One most notably is the reference to Ruth as "he" rather than "she". This was later corrected. Copies containing the "she" are referred to as "She Bibles." This leaf comes from a "She Bible." There were 800 to 1200 copies of the original folio Bible printed. This is from one of those limited number.
This beautiful, original King James Bible leaf came to us from a local customer who has had it for nearly thirty years. He acquired it from The Museum of Printing History. The Museum Director at the time, Donald M. Piercy, has signed the Certificate of Authenticity.
The COA states that the Bible from which this leaf was taken was purchased by Graphic Arts Management Associates from Nolan A. Moore in 1985. The incomplete and damaged Bible was offered to the Museum of Printing History to sell by the leaf as a Museum funds raising project. This is how our customer came to own it.
The leaf is museum matted and acid free materials were used. The leaf measures approximately 21" x 14". The frame measures 31-1/2" x 27". The leaf is in wonderful condition and due to the 100% rag content of the paper itself, there is no foxing.
This remarkable piece of history is presented in a beautiful bronze/gold colored frame decorated with acanthus leaf borders and matted with a gorgeous tomatoe red suede. There is also a gold toned plaque which reads: "Original Leaf from the First Edition of The King James Bible, 1611"
The frame has a minor molding loss in the upper right hand corner and a scratch as shown. Both are insignificant to the item itself, but we wish to make it known.
This original King James Bible leaf is rare and extremely exciting given its content. Do not hesitate to be the new owner of this remarkable historical Biblical document! It can surely only increase in value as time passes.
Store 
