Salve Regina - Zech & Sons - Braine-le-Comte approx. 1907

This charming French prayer book, Salve Regina, was published at the beginning of the twentieth century by Zech et Fils in Braine-le-Comte, Belgium.

With its modest size of only 10 by 6 centimeters, it is a beautiful example of the small, personal prayer books that believers used to carry with them.

What makes this copy special is the decorative black binding. The surface is adorned with graceful raised floral relief, while the front cover bears a gold-colored cross with flowers and vines. The original book clasp is also still present. The three gilded page edges complete the refined presentation.

Inside are nearly three hundred pages of French Catholic prayers, litanies, and religious exercises. The text is framed by delicate red decorative borders and supplemented with a religious illustration.

The book contains an ecclesiastical approval from 1903 and presumably dates from the first years thereafter.

An attractive small collector's item for lovers of antique religious books, historical bindings, and Catholic heritage.

Details

• Title: Salve Regina
• Subtitle: Recueil de prières à l'usage des personnes du monde
• Publisher: Zech et Fils
• Place of publication: Braine-le-Comte, Belgium
• Dating: Circa 1903-1910
• Language: French
• Dimensions: 10 × 6 × 1 cm
• Binding: Black decorative binding with raised floral relief and gold-colored decoration
• Page edges: Gilded
• Clasp: Original book clasp present
• Content: Catholic prayers, litanies, and religious exercises
• Illustrations: Religious image
• Condition: Reasonable antiquarian condition. The binding shows signs of use and wear. The front hinge is weakened and one gathering is partially loose. The rest of the binding is firm. The clasp is present but cannot be closed because the book does not close sufficiently. The pages show age-related discoloration and slight staining.