Description
Biblia sacra. London: R. Norton for Nathaniel Ponder, 1680. 12mo, engraved title-page, ruled in red throughout, contemporary black morocco gilt London binding by 'The Naval Binder': covers with inlaid citron morocco centrepieces and inlaid red morocco corner-pieces, surrounded by sprays of foliage, inlaid tulips and carnations in red and citron morocco, spine in six compartments with floral morocco and gilt decorations, a.e.g., edges painted with tulips and carnations, pp.891-910 detached from text block due to some splitting to lower hinge, some slight internal soiling, some wear and rubbing, neatly rebacked [ESTC R37424]
Footnote
Provenance: Name painted into pattern on fore-edge reads Elizabeth Briscot 1690; eighteenth century ownership inscriptions of George Barbon; Anthony Allen & John Harrison to verso of final leaf; J.R. Abbey's blue morocco gilt booklabel and ink shelf-mark to rear endpaper (sold by Sotheby's 19th - 21st June1967, lot 1678)
Note: 'The Naval Binder' was so dubbed by H.M. Nixon due to the workshop's close links with the Navy Office. The business was active in the 1670s and 1680s, and examples of their work can be found in the Pepys Library.