This incredible little book holds a secret - it's been turned into a book safe. And not recently - this was an old transformation and it's fascinating wondering what secrets this book box may have held. It was part of the Royal Library of Louis XV and features the King's coat of arms in gilt to the front board. Only books in the royal or associated libraries were given the coat of arms.
The book was published in 1743 and is bound in full leather. The spine features five raised bands and gilt tooling. It's in good condition, but as can be seen from the photos, the front hinge is split (but still firmly attached). The leather shows marking, scuffing and occasional chipping to the surface. The corners are worn, with the leather split to reveal the board beneath. The spine is dulled and slightly darkened, with some minor loss to the spine ends.
Inside, the endpapers are marbled and there is some splitting/damage to one of the blank preliminary pages. The pages that remain show age toning, foxing and creasing. The secret box compartment has been lined with marbled paper.
Dimensions approximately 17.4cm x 10.8cm x 2.8cm.
The book will arrive hand wrapped in patterned wallpaper and ribbon.
I use a range of eco friendly, 100% recyclable jiffy bags and boxes, and whenever possible I use brown paper tape. The green bubble wrap is oxo-degradable and the clear bubble wrap is 100% recyclable. I also reuse boxes when I feel it's appropriate (if the boxes are sturdy enough).
