c1870s Antiquarian Leather Polyglot Bible – Samuel Bagster & Sons – Facsimile Large Edition
 
A beautiful c1870s antiquarian Polyglot Bible published by Samuel Bagster & Sons, 15 Paternoster Row, London. This large facsimile edition contains the Old and New Testaments, with a table of chronology and six colour maps to the rear, engraved by W. Hughes.
 
This copy retains its Bagster’s Binding, in dark pebbled limp leather with gilt spine lettering, gilt page edges, and black endpapers. The front pastedown is stamped “Bagster’s Binding”. A brown ribbon marker is present (frayed at the end).
 
Includes 590 pages of The Polyglot Bible, 220 pages of The New Testament, 36 pages of Index to the Old and New Testaments, plus Chronology and Maps.
 
Dating
 
This Bible is undated, but evidence points to the c1870s–1880s. A pencil inscription on the front flyleaf is dated either “1881” or “1887” (the hand is unclear). Samuel Bagster & Sons were still at 15 Paternoster Row until they became a limited company in 1893, confirming this is pre-1893.
 
Exterior Condition
 
Bound in original limp dark pebbled leather.
Robust and intact with light wear consistent with age.
Some rubbing to the leather, particularly at the edges and spine.
Gilt edges remain bright.
“Bagster’s Binding” in gilt on the pastedown.
 
Interior Condition
 
Pages lightly tanned, clean for age.
Some light stains to page edges.
Small ink blots on pages 86–87 of the New Testament.
A handful of very small edge rips (not affecting text).
Pencil inscription on front flyleaf, dated 1881 or 1887.
Pencil sketches on free endpapers.
Tiny sticker on rear pastedown: “A. Thompson & Elliot, Liverpool”.
No further pen or pencil markings.
All pages tightly bound, secure, and complete.
 
Provenance & Publisher
 
Samuel Bagster & Sons was founded in 1794 and became famous for its Polyglot Bibles, offering affordable yet scholarly editions. By the mid-19th century, they were synonymous with devotional publishing. Their “Bagster’s Binding” was a hallmark of quality.
 
Specifications
 
Publisher: Samuel Bagster & Sons, London
Date: c1870s–1880s (pre-1893)
Format: Limp leather, gilt page edges, black endpapers
Pages: 590 (OT & Polyglot) + 220 (NT) + 36 (Index) + Chronology + Maps
Size: approx. 21 × 15 × 3.5 cm
Weight: approx. 804 g