[Embroidered Binding]

12mo (3 1/8 x 2 1/16 in.; 80 x 51 mm). Woodcut device to titles (The Psalter or Psalmes of David), woodcut initials; one book lacking title (The Whole Booke of Psalmes), tear to h2 (Psalter) margins shaved infrequently affecting text, one or two stray spots. Fully embroidered 17th century binding, large Tudor roses to upper and lower covers in red, yellow, green, and blue silk threads outlined with silver filigree, cream-colored grosgrain ribbon wrap attached to cover, spines bands and borders stitched in silver, four compartments with repeat flower motif in blue and yellow silk threads with surrounding silver filigree, all edges gilt and gauffered; one or two snags, minor soiling or discoloration. Modern black cloth and marbled paper clamshell case. 

Davenport, 'English Embroidered Bookbindings', 38

12mo (3 1/8 x 2 1/16 in.; 80 x 51 mm). Woodcut device to titles (The Psalter or Psalmes of David), woodcut initials; one book lacking title (The Whole Booke of Psalmes), tear to h2 (Psalter) margins shaved infrequently affecting text, one or two stray spots. Fully embroidered 17th century binding, large Tudor roses to upper and lower covers in red, yellow, green, and blue silk threads outlined with silver filigree, cream-colored grosgrain ribbon wrap attached to cover, spines bands and borders stitched in silver, four compartments with repeat flower motif in blue and yellow silk threads with surrounding silver filigree, all edges gilt and gauffered; one or two snags, minor soiling or discoloration. Modern black cloth and marbled paper clamshell case.
The lot is sold in the condition it is in at the time of sale. The condition report is provided to assist you with assessing the condition of the lot and is for guidance only. Any reference to condition in the condition report for the lot does not amount to a full description of condition. The images of the lot form part of the condition report for the lot provided by Sotheby's. Certain images of the lot provided online may not accurately reflect the actual condition of the lot. In particular, the online images may represent colours and shades which are different to the lot's actual colour and shades. The condition report for the lot may make reference to particular imperfections of the lot but you should note that the lot may have other faults not expressly referred to in the condition report for the lot or shown in the online images of the lot. The condition report may not refer to all faults, restoration, alteration or adaptation because Sotheby's is not a professional conservator or restorer but rather the condition report is a statement of opinion genuinely held by Sotheby's. For that reason, Sotheby's condition report is not an alternative to taking your own professional advice regarding the condition of the lot.

A rare and remarkably well-preserved example of a 17th-century embroidered bindingOf such books Cyril Davenport writes: "During the 17th century, little 'double' books were rather favourite forms for Common Prayers and Psalms especially... There are several instances where embroidered books have been bound this way, the earliest I know being a copy of the Psalms and Common Prayer, printed in 1606-7."