Antique 1875 Czech Bohemian Catholic Prayer Book Hardcover Leather Brass Clasp

1887 Antique Czech Catholic Prayer Book Maria Matka Dobré Rady Cross Clasp

Editor’s Note

Printed in 1887. Nearly 140 years later, this book still carries the objects someone once placed between its pages.

Maria, matka dobré rady is a Czech Catholic prayer and hymn book printed by J. Steinbrener in Vimperk. Its elaborate cream and aged metal binding transforms an intimate devotional book into an extraordinary object: pierced ornament, a dimensional cross at center, brass tone framing, working style side clasp, and a small religious medal suspended from its original chain.

Inside, the story becomes even more personal. Tucked among the time toned pages are devotional holy cards and what appears to be a Carmelite scapular associated with Simon Stock and Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Whether these pieces entered the book in 1887 or were added during the generations that followed is unknown, and that mystery is part of what makes it special. This was not simply a book kept on a shelf. It appears to have been carried, opened, prayed from, and added to over a lifetime.

A remarkable survivor from another century, preserved as one complete devotional archive.

Details

• Maria, matka dobré rady

• Czech Language Catholic Prayer & Hymn Book

• Published 1887

• J. Steinbrener, Vimperk

• Ornate Hard Cover Binding

• Dimensional Cross Motif

• Pierced Cream Decorative Cover Elements

• Aged Metal Frame & Hardware

• Side Clasp Closure

• Attached Chain & Religious Medal

• Gilt Page Edges

• Includes Vintage Devotional Holy Cards

• Includes What Appears to Be a Carmelite Scapular

• Interior Contains Prayers, Hymns & Mass Devotions

• Approximately 139 Years Old

Condition

Antique condition with the extraordinary character expected from nearly 140 years of age. Pages show toning, spotting, edge wear and signs of handling. Binding and edges show wear; metal components have developed natural tarnish and patina. Cream cover panels show surface wear, scratches and areas of fine cracking.

The exact composition of the cream decorative material has not been confirmed and is intentionally not represented as ivory or bone.

Devotional pieces are included as found. Their individual ages and whether they were originally issued with the book are unknown. Nothing has been aggressively cleaned or restored. Please review all photographs closely as they form an important part of the condition description.

Shipping & Returns

Curated by Cirque Nouveau and ships free from Seattle. No returns, reach out with any questions! Thank you.