Zondervan / Eyre & Spottiswoode KJV in Black Ostraleg Calfskin

Here's an interesting find: a vintage KJV published by Eyre & Spottiswoode for Zondervan, bound in limp black ostraleg calfskin. According to the box, it's part of the Imperial Line, with a lifetime guarantee.

Again, according to the box, the contents include (a) King James Version, (b) Center Column Reference, (c) Easy to Read Clearblack Bold Type, (d) Self Pronouncing, (e) 160 page Concordance, (f) 64 pages of Helps, (g) 8 pages of 4 Color Maps, (h) Presentation Page and Family Record, and (i) Words of Christ Printed in Red.

The style? Black Ostraleg Calfskin (I'm not sure what "ostraleg" signifies, so any help would be appreciated), Limp Binding, Simulated Leather Lined (though it's stamped "leather lined" on the cover -- see below), Gold Chain Roll (this is the chain design in gilt along the inside edge of the cover -- again, see below), Gold Edges, and Zonderlite Super India Paper (TM).

The elegantly grained calfskin has a nice sheen, even after all these years. The imprinting on the spine is an interesting copper-gold color. It has a single ribbon.

Inside, the cover is stamped "real calfskin" and "leather lined," in spite of the fact the box says the lining is simulated leather. There are thin tissues inside each cover, and the Bible shows no other signs of use. It is new-in-box. Pristine. Though there is a flaw, as you'll soon see.

Below, the interior spread. If you look at the lower left-hand side of the cover, you can spot the little flaw: the edge of the cover has come unglued a bit. An easy thing to fix, I imagine, but I'll probably leave it as is for now. I suggest you click on the photo, which will take you to Flickr, where you can see an enlarged version. This gives a good impression of how much "bleedthrough" the Zonderlite Super India Paper displays. You'll notice some ghosting from the reverse of the page, though not nearly as much as we typically see in contemporary editions.

Inside, it's a typical double-column, verse-per-line setting of the KJV.

The obligatory "yoga" shot. Is the binding limp? Absolutely. It doesn't flop around the way the thin, matte calfskin covers today do, but it has a pleasantly "structured" flexibility in keeping with the rest of its fine appointments. It's amazing to think how many decades this thing sat on a shelf, unused -- even more amazing to realize what interesting editions used to be out there, but are no more.

Comments

[Richard Zuelch]

Any idea what year this Bible was published?

[Tom Morrison]

Very cool Bible. I hope the calfskin on the new ESV Study Bibles looks that good, but, nothing beats goatskin. I ordered a new black ESV1 from Allan through Bibles Direct a month ago and they were supposed to start shipping last week. They still haven't billed my credit card and I can't wait to get it. I feel like I've been waiting forever. The exchange rate took a turn for the Dollars favor so they are down to $156 and change American right now. Maybe they're waiting for the "Pound to Rebound" before they bill it! LOL.

[Lee Miller]

Very nice Bible. What is the size?

I've wondered about that "Ostrileg", too. I have a KJV published by Collins/World that's bound in green (!) "ostrileg calfskin". This Bible is a "heritage reference edition", page size is about 4 1/2 X 7 inches. The leather is a dark, rich, almost emerald green, with a definite grain that I suppose is meant to look like ostrich.

This particular Bible, published by World (the Collins/World designation is only on the box)was "produced by Frank Fehmers Productions" in Amsterdam, and printed and bound in Belgium. The location for World Publishing Company is New York, so this was made after World relocated from Cleveland.

It's quite a deluxe little volume. No publication date, of course.

Lee

[Lee Miller]

Quick follow-up:

World Publishing was moved to New York in the early 1960s, and was sold to Collins in 1974 . . . so since my Bible was printed by World in New York, and only the box indicates Collins, I'd say it must be a transitional copy from right around 1974.

Why, oh why, don't publishers date their Bible editions?

Lee

[J. Mark Bertrand]

The measurements on the Zondervan KJV are 7 1/2 x 5 1/8 x 7/8". I've found no indication of publication date, but I'm guessing it dates from the 70s. It's catalog no. 80229, Style 900XRL, listed as a Zondervan Clearblack Reference Bible on the side of the box.

[Ron Parish]

That is one beautiful Bible. Mark, you are the king of Bible finds, a crown that was won by much experience and perseverance, I would imagine.

[David F]

That Bible has beautiful graining. From Google though, an ostraleg(us)seems to be some type of shore bird rather than having to do with an ostrich which has pronunced circles in its skin from the quills when made into leather. I've seen ostrich leg used on shoes before but it's always called ostrich leg not ostraleg and it's narrow strips that are sewn together much like eelskin. It seems that leathers can be finished with a variety of graining techniques though, no?

[Edwin Bowden]

I recognize the Zondervan Bible. I began working in a Christian bookstore in 1971. As I recall, Zondervan had bought the Bible line from Harper. The ostraleg referred to the design of the grain. They made a die from the leg of an ostrich and used that to imprint the grain. It was a popular style for several publishers in the 70's.

World Bibles went through several changes of ownership over the decades. They were even owned by the LA Times at one time. The Scottish publisher, Collins bought the World line. For a while boxes and Bibles didn't necessarily match. Collins World was the official name. In about 1980, Collins sold their dictionary line to Scribners (?) and their children's books to Putnam. The Bible line was sold to the largest Bible distributor in the world at that time--Riverside Book and Bible in Iowa Falls, IA (sitting in a cornfield). They immediately changed the name back to World Bibles. In 1981, I became a rep for Riverside/World (and other publishers) calling on bookstores. In the late 80's, Riverside changed ownership from the Fitz family. It operated for a few more years, but faced heavy competition from newer distributors. I believe that Thomas Nelson wound up buying the World Bible line, but I'm not sure if any of the old World Bible line now exists since it was duplicated with about every style in the Nelson line.

During my 12 years as a Bible rep, I also sold Oxford, Cambridge, National and Thompson Chain.

[Lee Miller]

Well, I just bought a Zondervan bible in the same series, almost identical box, on E-Bay . . . it's the same "Imperial Line" with lifetime guarantee, bound in brown polished calfskin. It has the gold chain roll, all the features seem to be about the same.

I'll be anxious to get it in hand and see how it compares.

Lee

[Lee Miller]

I received my Zondervan Bible (E-Bay purchase) yesterday. It has the same style box, and was also jointly published by Zondervan and Eyre and Spottiswoode Limited (what a great name). My Bible is in "Imperial Pica Type" (looks to be about 10 pts). It's bound in brown "polished" calfskin--beatiful leather, a little shiny but not glossy, and very smooth and flexible. The paper is the same "Zonderlite Super India Paper"--very pleasant, minimal shadowing from the opposite side.

The interesting thing is that the paper insert inside the front cover--presumable to add protection for the lining--is printed with a text that says this Bible was issued on the 40th anniversary of Zondervan, which allows dating: Zondervan was founded in 1931, so this Bible is from 1971. Presumably Mark's is from the same time, because the boxes are identical.

Unfortunately my box isn't marked with a price; I wish I knew what a copy like this sold for in 1971.

As far as style, printing, layout, size, binding, etc. this Bible comes pretty close to my ideal. A couple of the pages in the concordance were crumpled, but they seem to be straightening out OK. And there are 7 sheets in Luke (14 pages) that for some reason were cut "rough" on the outside edge--some kind of minor production defect, it looks like. But this is a beautiful, legible copy of the KJV, unlike anything available today.

Lee

[Cee]

Cost of this type of Bib;e?

[David Farlow]

I have just managed to find an old Eyre and Spottiswoode bible with Ostraleg goatskin, not knowing what "Ostraleg" meant I did a google search and lo and behold the first link brought me to this post.

This blog may become the online library of fine bible bindings. Instead of google it we will bibledesignblog it, or BDB it for less of a mouthfull.

[LaTashia Irving]

URGENT: PLEASE READ!!!

I AM LOOKING FOR A BIBLE JUST LIKE THE ONE THAT IS PICTURED ABOVE ON THIS WEBSITE FOR MY PASTOR. IT IS A EYRE AND SPOTTISWOODE/ ZONDERVAN KING JAMES VERSION. THERE ARE MANY MEMBERS OF OUR CHURCH THAT WANT TO GET IT, AND WE ARE WILLING TO PAY FOR IT. SO PLEASE IF YOU HAVE A COPY, PLEASE EMAIL ms_hicks7785@yahoo.com or call 832-277-5843.

THIS MEANS SO MUCH TO US AND WE HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR YEARS TO FIND ONE. PLEASE HELP US FIND THIS BIBLE.

[Mrs. Raulerson]

Hi I have ran across this Bible but in Tan Cashmere Calfskin, My father collected some of the older Bibles in his pastoral days. Any one know the Value of these Bibles? It's in the Original Box and it's mint condition he never used it apparently.. cat No 80282 with Thumb Index after the Bible it has the Apocrypha and has a copyright date in it saying 1968. by Zondervan any info would be greatful ? Thanks

[Thomas Iverson]

I have a New Testament printed by Eyre & Spottiswoode with a notation on the inside "From Anna Vernon Feb 14, 05". Sine I have had it for more than 20 years I know it must be at least 1905. The cover is missing unfortunatly.

[paul butler]

i have picked up an old bible too... but the page with the published date is the only page missing. someone wrote on the inside cover page and that has a date of 1909, but i am guessing this bible is older than that. is there any way to find out?

[Andrew Davis]

In 1975, my mother gave me gave me one. It's falling apart. I need to replace it.

Andrew Davis
adavis8@sbcglobal.net

[John Newell]

I just came across an unused NIV NT still in its box, published in 1973. The binding is, you guessed it, "ostraleg." Specifically, "Acorn Brown Ostraleg Calfskin, Limp Binding." The lining, by the way, is specifically listed as Skivertex, which I think is also sometimes referred to as imitation leather but in fact is basically a fabric product.

In any case, this is a very nice piece of leather. I'm wondering if "ostraleg" isn't a reference to the way the calfskin has been "grained" or patterned? This NT has the same graining as the bible Mark illustrates at the top of this page.

[Deirdre Schebeck]

i worked in a bookstore called the Vine & Fig Tree in the DC suburbs from 1976 til about 79. I received my second copy of this edition then i had had one in 72 that i gave to a friend so i think it was probably late 60's early 70's that it came out. Mine is blue and has stood up to use through all this time, testimony to the value of a good binding, the blue has gradually worn away to reveal the tan underneath, i still use it as my KJV. If you have one enjoy it, it can take it. The LORD bless you.

[Ben Ting]

Recently I bought a KJV Zondervan Clearback Ref Bible in Brown Ostraleg Calfskin from eBay. This bible is simply gorgeous. The printing is excellent (despite my negative first encounter with Eyre & Spottiswoode). Highly recommended to anyone who is looking for a vintage KJV.

[The Prophet Mustaffa Dump]

All I want to purchase is a large KJV leather bound bible, red letter version with the apocrypha about A4 size with decent size text. Is this too much to ask?

The muslims only have one version of the Koran !!!!!!!!
Smell the money being made from altered bible versions.

[Fernando Villegas]

Prophet,

You are exactly right--the Muslims only have one version of the Koran. It is in Arabic. So unless, you are reading the Koran in Arabic, you are not really reading the Koran.

So let me ask you? Do you read the Bible in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek? Because if you want to make the comparison with the Muslims, then even your KJV is one of the "altered bible versions" that you seem to be eager to criticize.

Oh, and by the way, last I knew, money is made from selling KJVs as well.

[bill]

Hey Prophet,
I like the Pennroyal Caxton Bible. It's the large size we both like, nice paper, easy to read, has chapter numbers but not those silly verse numbers, is your preferred KJV (English) version, and has some modern artistic interpretations of the classic woodcut artform tossed in for free. And with used copies under $10 for this gem, you won't smell a lot of money being made on your purchase.
Check it out here:
http://www.amazon.com/Holy-Bible-version-Pennyroyal-Caxton/dp/0670887978/

[Ryan]

I am selling one of these in black goatskin with a leather lining. same text block. in very good condition with box (box is a bit banged up).
$65 shipped.
email me at rjcarter3 at juno dot com

[Ryan]

Above bible has sold.

[Debbie Lux]

I have a bible very similiar to this. Mine has the red letter verison, cover is Morocco Goatskin, leather lined, India Paper KJV Eyre and Spottiswoode Limited. Cover is perfect, pages have some wear. I know mine was made around 1970-71 as there is an inscription from a family member dated 1/14/71 in the front and there is a autograph from Rex Humbard, dated 1/15/71. He was the 1st TV minister that began the start of TV ministries (Cathredral of Tomorrow) and he was the officiating minister for Elvis Presley's funeral.
I am looking to sell this bible, but not sure of the value with the autograph. Any help would be appreciated.

[Brion Burkett]

I pastor a little house church here in Roseville, Ca. I gave my KJV bible to a very dear friend who asked for one. I then texted the rest of our very poor 24 members and asked if anyone had a leather, smallish KJV bible for my personal use(I didn't text my friend). Greta, a very mature and gracious member, gave me a worn but still viable copy of the above mentioned bible. She was cleaning out the lost and found of a very large church in town and picked this up. I would have gone to the Goodwill otherwise.
This bible reads like a dream. So soft and supple, it feels like it will fall apart, but so resilient and durable! I am in the market for the same edition now that doesn't have the name "Arlene" embossed in gold on the cover and that isn't so worn around the edges. Haha.

By the way, I LOVE this blog. I agree with Cee. This could very well become the spot online for rare/obscure bible info. I know I was given the information I needed. As long as you can weed out rantings and arguments, I will return here again and again and refer folks as well.
Keep doing a fantastic work...
-Brion

[lynda]

I just came into possession of a huge bible black leather binding with a gold clasp ( missing the back clasp) its from 1845 printed by George Eyer and William spottiswoode, this is one of the biggest bibles I have ever seen it weighs almost 8 kilo, can anyone tell me what it is worth, from my own investigations online it could be worth?

[bill]

Lynda, we don't really price Bibles here. Ultimately if you want to sell it, it's worth what you can get. That said, typical pulpit bibles are about 8x11 to 10x14 inches and go in the $100-$400 range for the mid-late 19th century. Watch eBay for a while and judge for yourself or if you're in a large city, you could take it to a rare books dealer. However if it's larger than a normal pulpit bible (a true folio or newspaper size) it could be quite rare and much more valuable.

If it's a "family bible" from within your family, I'd sure recommend you hold onto it. Your descendants could really like seeing it.

[W.L.Wade]

Strange I happened on your page. Just today, I visited my friend who ran the bookstore in my town. He said, "I want to give you something". It was a Zondervan Brown Ostraleg Calfskin, leather lined to edge, New Testament and Psalms in the orange box in mint condition. He said it was under the counter behind some books and boxes. What a find! Amazing that I saw this page today. I wish Bibles were produced like this today.
W.L.Wade