![106
Bible leaf, Latin. Single leaf from the Gutenberg Bible, comprising Numbers 7.38-8.12, double column, 42 lines, Gothic type, headlines of Lombard capitals in alternating red and blue, 2-line chapter initial L in red, chapter number in alternating blue and red, initial-strokes in red, central ox head watermark clearly visible, a few patches of light foxing, inner margin neatly strengthened, preserved in folding card chemise and custom morocco-backed drop-back box, folio (390 x 285 mm.), [Mainz], [Johann Gutenberg & Johann Fust], [c.1454/55].
*** A single leaf from "greatest of all printed books" (PMM).
This leaf is particularly desirable since the distinctive ox head watermark is clearly visible right in the middle of the page and is only partially covered by one column of text. This is one of three watermarks used in the Bible (the others being a bunch of grapes and a walking ox); the paper itself was imported from Caselle in Piedmont, Northern Italy, one of the main paper-making centres in the 15th century.
It is the first substantial European printed book. The humanist Aeneas Sylvius, secretary of Emperor Fredrick III, saw sample sheets of the Bible at the Imperial diet in Frankfurt am Main, in late October or early November1454, and again at Wiener Neustatt in March 1455, from where he wrote about the amazing production to his friend Cardinal Carvajal in Rome.
"Its printers were competing in the market hitherto supplied by the producers of highclass manuscripts. The design of the book and the layout of the book were therefore based on the book-hand and manuscript design of the day, and a very high standard of press-work was required, and obtained, to enable the new mechanical product to compete successfully with its handproduced rivals. Standards were set in quality of paper and blackness of ink, in design and professional skill, which the printers of later generations have found difficult to maintain" (PMM).
Literature: BMC I, 17; Goff B-526; H 3031*; Bod-inc B-237; BSB-Ink B-408; GW 4201; ISTC ib00526000.](https://am-s3-bucket-assets.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/forum/prod/lot_images/xlarge/3aa93e33-9b90-ee11-b864-d4548b6f1f2f/d4b60704-6e91-ee11-817a-6045bdcfd69d.webp "106
Bible leaf, Latin. Single leaf from the Gutenberg Bible, comprising Numbers 7.38-8.12, double column, 42 lines, Gothic type, headlines of Lombard capitals in alternating red and blue, 2-line chapter initial L in red, chapter number in alternating blue and red, initial-strokes in red, central ox head watermark clearly visible, a few patches of light foxing, inner margin neatly strengthened, preserved in folding card chemise and custom morocco-backed drop-back box, folio (390 x 285 mm.), [Mainz], [Johann Gutenberg & Johann Fust], [c.1454/55].
*** A single leaf from \"greatest of all printed books\" (PMM).
This leaf is particularly desirable since the distinctive ox head watermark is clearly visible right in the middle of the page and is only partially covered by one column of text. This is one of three watermarks used in the Bible (the others being a bunch of grapes and a walking ox); the paper itself was imported from Caselle in Piedmont, Northern Italy, one of the main paper-making centres in the 15th century.
It is the first substantial European printed book. The humanist Aeneas Sylvius, secretary of Emperor Fredrick III, saw sample sheets of the Bible at the Imperial diet in Frankfurt am Main, in late October or early November1454, and again at Wiener Neustatt in March 1455, from where he wrote about the amazing production to his friend Cardinal Carvajal in Rome.
\"Its printers were competing in the market hitherto supplied by the producers of highclass manuscripts. The design of the book and the layout of the book were therefore based on the book-hand and manuscript design of the day, and a very high standard of press-work was required, and obtained, to enable the new mechanical product to compete successfully with its handproduced rivals. Standards were set in quality of paper and blackness of ink, in design and professional skill, which the printers of later generations have found difficult to maintain\" (PMM).
Literature: BMC I, 17; Goff B-526; H 3031*; Bod-inc B-237; BSB-Ink B-408; GW 4201; ISTC ib00526000.")
![106
Bible leaf, Latin. Single leaf from the Gutenberg Bible, comprising Numbers 7.38-8.12, double column, 42 lines, Gothic type, headlines of Lombard capitals in alternating red and blue, 2-line chapter initial L in red, chapter number in alternating blue and red, initial-strokes in red, central ox head watermark clearly visible, a few patches of light foxing, inner margin neatly strengthened, preserved in folding card chemise and custom morocco-backed drop-back box, folio (390 x 285 mm.), [Mainz], [Johann Gutenberg & Johann Fust], [c.1454/55].
*** A single leaf from "greatest of all printed books" (PMM).
This leaf is particularly desirable since the distinctive ox head watermark is clearly visible right in the middle of the page and is only partially covered by one column of text. This is one of three watermarks used in the Bible (the others being a bunch of grapes and a walking ox); the paper itself was imported from Caselle in Piedmont, Northern Italy, one of the main paper-making centres in the 15th century.
It is the first substantial European printed book. The humanist Aeneas Sylvius, secretary of Emperor Fredrick III, saw sample sheets of the Bible at the Imperial diet in Frankfurt am Main, in late October or early November1454, and again at Wiener Neustatt in March 1455, from where he wrote about the amazing production to his friend Cardinal Carvajal in Rome.
"Its printers were competing in the market hitherto supplied by the producers of highclass manuscripts. The design of the book and the layout of the book were therefore based on the book-hand and manuscript design of the day, and a very high standard of press-work was required, and obtained, to enable the new mechanical product to compete successfully with its handproduced rivals. Standards were set in quality of paper and blackness of ink, in design and professional skill, which the printers of later generations have found difficult to maintain" (PMM).
Literature: BMC I, 17; Goff B-526; H 3031*; Bod-inc B-237; BSB-Ink B-408; GW 4201; ISTC ib00526000.](https://am-s3-bucket-assets.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/forum/prod/lot_images/xlarge/3aa93e33-9b90-ee11-b864-d4548b6f1f2f/ddb60704-6e91-ee11-817a-6045bdcfd69d.webp "106
Bible leaf, Latin. Single leaf from the Gutenberg Bible, comprising Numbers 7.38-8.12, double column, 42 lines, Gothic type, headlines of Lombard capitals in alternating red and blue, 2-line chapter initial L in red, chapter number in alternating blue and red, initial-strokes in red, central ox head watermark clearly visible, a few patches of light foxing, inner margin neatly strengthened, preserved in folding card chemise and custom morocco-backed drop-back box, folio (390 x 285 mm.), [Mainz], [Johann Gutenberg & Johann Fust], [c.1454/55].
*** A single leaf from \"greatest of all printed books\" (PMM).
This leaf is particularly desirable since the distinctive ox head watermark is clearly visible right in the middle of the page and is only partially covered by one column of text. This is one of three watermarks used in the Bible (the others being a bunch of grapes and a walking ox); the paper itself was imported from Caselle in Piedmont, Northern Italy, one of the main paper-making centres in the 15th century.
It is the first substantial European printed book. The humanist Aeneas Sylvius, secretary of Emperor Fredrick III, saw sample sheets of the Bible at the Imperial diet in Frankfurt am Main, in late October or early November1454, and again at Wiener Neustatt in March 1455, from where he wrote about the amazing production to his friend Cardinal Carvajal in Rome.
\"Its printers were competing in the market hitherto supplied by the producers of highclass manuscripts. The design of the book and the layout of the book were therefore based on the book-hand and manuscript design of the day, and a very high standard of press-work was required, and obtained, to enable the new mechanical product to compete successfully with its handproduced rivals. Standards were set in quality of paper and blackness of ink, in design and professional skill, which the printers of later generations have found difficult to maintain\" (PMM).
Literature: BMC I, 17; Goff B-526; H 3031*; Bod-inc B-237; BSB-Ink B-408; GW 4201; ISTC ib00526000.")
![106
Bible leaf, Latin. Single leaf from the Gutenberg Bible, comprising Numbers 7.38-8.12, double column, 42 lines, Gothic type, headlines of Lombard capitals in alternating red and blue, 2-line chapter initial L in red, chapter number in alternating blue and red, initial-strokes in red, central ox head watermark clearly visible, a few patches of light foxing, inner margin neatly strengthened, preserved in folding card chemise and custom morocco-backed drop-back box, folio (390 x 285 mm.), [Mainz], [Johann Gutenberg & Johann Fust], [c.1454/55].
*** A single leaf from "greatest of all printed books" (PMM).
This leaf is particularly desirable since the distinctive ox head watermark is clearly visible right in the middle of the page and is only partially covered by one column of text. This is one of three watermarks used in the Bible (the others being a bunch of grapes and a walking ox); the paper itself was imported from Caselle in Piedmont, Northern Italy, one of the main paper-making centres in the 15th century.
It is the first substantial European printed book. The humanist Aeneas Sylvius, secretary of Emperor Fredrick III, saw sample sheets of the Bible at the Imperial diet in Frankfurt am Main, in late October or early November1454, and again at Wiener Neustatt in March 1455, from where he wrote about the amazing production to his friend Cardinal Carvajal in Rome.
"Its printers were competing in the market hitherto supplied by the producers of highclass manuscripts. The design of the book and the layout of the book were therefore based on the book-hand and manuscript design of the day, and a very high standard of press-work was required, and obtained, to enable the new mechanical product to compete successfully with its handproduced rivals. Standards were set in quality of paper and blackness of ink, in design and professional skill, which the printers of later generations have found difficult to maintain" (PMM).
Literature: BMC I, 17; Goff B-526; H 3031*; Bod-inc B-237; BSB-Ink B-408; GW 4201; ISTC ib00526000.](https://am-s3-bucket-assets.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/forum/prod/lot_images/xlarge/3aa93e33-9b90-ee11-b864-d4548b6f1f2f/e6b60704-6e91-ee11-817a-6045bdcfd69d.webp "106
Bible leaf, Latin. Single leaf from the Gutenberg Bible, comprising Numbers 7.38-8.12, double column, 42 lines, Gothic type, headlines of Lombard capitals in alternating red and blue, 2-line chapter initial L in red, chapter number in alternating blue and red, initial-strokes in red, central ox head watermark clearly visible, a few patches of light foxing, inner margin neatly strengthened, preserved in folding card chemise and custom morocco-backed drop-back box, folio (390 x 285 mm.), [Mainz], [Johann Gutenberg & Johann Fust], [c.1454/55].
*** A single leaf from \"greatest of all printed books\" (PMM).
This leaf is particularly desirable since the distinctive ox head watermark is clearly visible right in the middle of the page and is only partially covered by one column of text. This is one of three watermarks used in the Bible (the others being a bunch of grapes and a walking ox); the paper itself was imported from Caselle in Piedmont, Northern Italy, one of the main paper-making centres in the 15th century.
It is the first substantial European printed book. The humanist Aeneas Sylvius, secretary of Emperor Fredrick III, saw sample sheets of the Bible at the Imperial diet in Frankfurt am Main, in late October or early November1454, and again at Wiener Neustatt in March 1455, from where he wrote about the amazing production to his friend Cardinal Carvajal in Rome.
\"Its printers were competing in the market hitherto supplied by the producers of highclass manuscripts. The design of the book and the layout of the book were therefore based on the book-hand and manuscript design of the day, and a very high standard of press-work was required, and obtained, to enable the new mechanical product to compete successfully with its handproduced rivals. Standards were set in quality of paper and blackness of ink, in design and professional skill, which the printers of later generations have found difficult to maintain\" (PMM).
Literature: BMC I, 17; Goff B-526; H 3031*; Bod-inc B-237; BSB-Ink B-408; GW 4201; ISTC ib00526000.")
![106
Bible leaf, Latin. Single leaf from the Gutenberg Bible, comprising Numbers 7.38-8.12, double column, 42 lines, Gothic type, headlines of Lombard capitals in alternating red and blue, 2-line chapter initial L in red, chapter number in alternating blue and red, initial-strokes in red, central ox head watermark clearly visible, a few patches of light foxing, inner margin neatly strengthened, preserved in folding card chemise and custom morocco-backed drop-back box, folio (390 x 285 mm.), [Mainz], [Johann Gutenberg & Johann Fust], [c.1454/55].
*** A single leaf from "greatest of all printed books" (PMM).
This leaf is particularly desirable since the distinctive ox head watermark is clearly visible right in the middle of the page and is only partially covered by one column of text. This is one of three watermarks used in the Bible (the others being a bunch of grapes and a walking ox); the paper itself was imported from Caselle in Piedmont, Northern Italy, one of the main paper-making centres in the 15th century.
It is the first substantial European printed book. The humanist Aeneas Sylvius, secretary of Emperor Fredrick III, saw sample sheets of the Bible at the Imperial diet in Frankfurt am Main, in late October or early November1454, and again at Wiener Neustatt in March 1455, from where he wrote about the amazing production to his friend Cardinal Carvajal in Rome.
"Its printers were competing in the market hitherto supplied by the producers of highclass manuscripts. The design of the book and the layout of the book were therefore based on the book-hand and manuscript design of the day, and a very high standard of press-work was required, and obtained, to enable the new mechanical product to compete successfully with its handproduced rivals. Standards were set in quality of paper and blackness of ink, in design and professional skill, which the printers of later generations have found difficult to maintain" (PMM).
Literature: BMC I, 17; Goff B-526; H 3031*; Bod-inc B-237; BSB-Ink B-408; GW 4201; ISTC ib00526000.](https://am-s3-bucket-assets.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/forum/prod/lot_images/xlarge/3aa93e33-9b90-ee11-b864-d4548b6f1f2f/efb60704-6e91-ee11-817a-6045bdcfd69d.webp "106
Bible leaf, Latin. Single leaf from the Gutenberg Bible, comprising Numbers 7.38-8.12, double column, 42 lines, Gothic type, headlines of Lombard capitals in alternating red and blue, 2-line chapter initial L in red, chapter number in alternating blue and red, initial-strokes in red, central ox head watermark clearly visible, a few patches of light foxing, inner margin neatly strengthened, preserved in folding card chemise and custom morocco-backed drop-back box, folio (390 x 285 mm.), [Mainz], [Johann Gutenberg & Johann Fust], [c.1454/55].
*** A single leaf from \"greatest of all printed books\" (PMM).
This leaf is particularly desirable since the distinctive ox head watermark is clearly visible right in the middle of the page and is only partially covered by one column of text. This is one of three watermarks used in the Bible (the others being a bunch of grapes and a walking ox); the paper itself was imported from Caselle in Piedmont, Northern Italy, one of the main paper-making centres in the 15th century.
It is the first substantial European printed book. The humanist Aeneas Sylvius, secretary of Emperor Fredrick III, saw sample sheets of the Bible at the Imperial diet in Frankfurt am Main, in late October or early November1454, and again at Wiener Neustatt in March 1455, from where he wrote about the amazing production to his friend Cardinal Carvajal in Rome.
\"Its printers were competing in the market hitherto supplied by the producers of highclass manuscripts. The design of the book and the layout of the book were therefore based on the book-hand and manuscript design of the day, and a very high standard of press-work was required, and obtained, to enable the new mechanical product to compete successfully with its handproduced rivals. Standards were set in quality of paper and blackness of ink, in design and professional skill, which the printers of later generations have found difficult to maintain\" (PMM).
Literature: BMC I, 17; Goff B-526; H 3031*; Bod-inc B-237; BSB-Ink B-408; GW 4201; ISTC ib00526000.")
![106
Bible leaf, Latin. Single leaf from the Gutenberg Bible, comprising Numbers 7.38-8.12, double column, 42 lines, Gothic type, headlines of Lombard capitals in alternating red and blue, 2-line chapter initial L in red, chapter number in alternating blue and red, initial-strokes in red, central ox head watermark clearly visible, a few patches of light foxing, inner margin neatly strengthened, preserved in folding card chemise and custom morocco-backed drop-back box, folio (390 x 285 mm.), [Mainz], [Johann Gutenberg & Johann Fust], [c.1454/55].
*** A single leaf from "greatest of all printed books" (PMM).
This leaf is particularly desirable since the distinctive ox head watermark is clearly visible right in the middle of the page and is only partially covered by one column of text. This is one of three watermarks used in the Bible (the others being a bunch of grapes and a walking ox); the paper itself was imported from Caselle in Piedmont, Northern Italy, one of the main paper-making centres in the 15th century.
It is the first substantial European printed book. The humanist Aeneas Sylvius, secretary of Emperor Fredrick III, saw sample sheets of the Bible at the Imperial diet in Frankfurt am Main, in late October or early November1454, and again at Wiener Neustatt in March 1455, from where he wrote about the amazing production to his friend Cardinal Carvajal in Rome.
"Its printers were competing in the market hitherto supplied by the producers of highclass manuscripts. The design of the book and the layout of the book were therefore based on the book-hand and manuscript design of the day, and a very high standard of press-work was required, and obtained, to enable the new mechanical product to compete successfully with its handproduced rivals. Standards were set in quality of paper and blackness of ink, in design and professional skill, which the printers of later generations have found difficult to maintain" (PMM).
Literature: BMC I, 17; Goff B-526; H 3031*; Bod-inc B-237; BSB-Ink B-408; GW 4201; ISTC ib00526000.](https://am-s3-bucket-assets.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/forum/prod/lot_images/small/3aa93e33-9b90-ee11-b864-d4548b6f1f2f/d4b60704-6e91-ee11-817a-6045bdcfd69d.webp "106
Bible leaf, Latin. Single leaf from the Gutenberg Bible, comprising Numbers 7.38-8.12, double column, 42 lines, Gothic type, headlines of Lombard capitals in alternating red and blue, 2-line chapter initial L in red, chapter number in alternating blue and red, initial-strokes in red, central ox head watermark clearly visible, a few patches of light foxing, inner margin neatly strengthened, preserved in folding card chemise and custom morocco-backed drop-back box, folio (390 x 285 mm.), [Mainz], [Johann Gutenberg & Johann Fust], [c.1454/55].
*** A single leaf from \"greatest of all printed books\" (PMM).
This leaf is particularly desirable since the distinctive ox head watermark is clearly visible right in the middle of the page and is only partially covered by one column of text. This is one of three watermarks used in the Bible (the others being a bunch of grapes and a walking ox); the paper itself was imported from Caselle in Piedmont, Northern Italy, one of the main paper-making centres in the 15th century.
It is the first substantial European printed book. The humanist Aeneas Sylvius, secretary of Emperor Fredrick III, saw sample sheets of the Bible at the Imperial diet in Frankfurt am Main, in late October or early November1454, and again at Wiener Neustatt in March 1455, from where he wrote about the amazing production to his friend Cardinal Carvajal in Rome.
\"Its printers were competing in the market hitherto supplied by the producers of highclass manuscripts. The design of the book and the layout of the book were therefore based on the book-hand and manuscript design of the day, and a very high standard of press-work was required, and obtained, to enable the new mechanical product to compete successfully with its handproduced rivals. Standards were set in quality of paper and blackness of ink, in design and professional skill, which the printers of later generations have found difficult to maintain\" (PMM).
Literature: BMC I, 17; Goff B-526; H 3031*; Bod-inc B-237; BSB-Ink B-408; GW 4201; ISTC ib00526000.")
![106
Bible leaf, Latin. Single leaf from the Gutenberg Bible, comprising Numbers 7.38-8.12, double column, 42 lines, Gothic type, headlines of Lombard capitals in alternating red and blue, 2-line chapter initial L in red, chapter number in alternating blue and red, initial-strokes in red, central ox head watermark clearly visible, a few patches of light foxing, inner margin neatly strengthened, preserved in folding card chemise and custom morocco-backed drop-back box, folio (390 x 285 mm.), [Mainz], [Johann Gutenberg & Johann Fust], [c.1454/55].
*** A single leaf from "greatest of all printed books" (PMM).
This leaf is particularly desirable since the distinctive ox head watermark is clearly visible right in the middle of the page and is only partially covered by one column of text. This is one of three watermarks used in the Bible (the others being a bunch of grapes and a walking ox); the paper itself was imported from Caselle in Piedmont, Northern Italy, one of the main paper-making centres in the 15th century.
It is the first substantial European printed book. The humanist Aeneas Sylvius, secretary of Emperor Fredrick III, saw sample sheets of the Bible at the Imperial diet in Frankfurt am Main, in late October or early November1454, and again at Wiener Neustatt in March 1455, from where he wrote about the amazing production to his friend Cardinal Carvajal in Rome.
"Its printers were competing in the market hitherto supplied by the producers of highclass manuscripts. The design of the book and the layout of the book were therefore based on the book-hand and manuscript design of the day, and a very high standard of press-work was required, and obtained, to enable the new mechanical product to compete successfully with its handproduced rivals. Standards were set in quality of paper and blackness of ink, in design and professional skill, which the printers of later generations have found difficult to maintain" (PMM).
Literature: BMC I, 17; Goff B-526; H 3031*; Bod-inc B-237; BSB-Ink B-408; GW 4201; ISTC ib00526000.](https://am-s3-bucket-assets.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/forum/prod/lot_images/small/3aa93e33-9b90-ee11-b864-d4548b6f1f2f/ddb60704-6e91-ee11-817a-6045bdcfd69d.webp "106
Bible leaf, Latin. Single leaf from the Gutenberg Bible, comprising Numbers 7.38-8.12, double column, 42 lines, Gothic type, headlines of Lombard capitals in alternating red and blue, 2-line chapter initial L in red, chapter number in alternating blue and red, initial-strokes in red, central ox head watermark clearly visible, a few patches of light foxing, inner margin neatly strengthened, preserved in folding card chemise and custom morocco-backed drop-back box, folio (390 x 285 mm.), [Mainz], [Johann Gutenberg & Johann Fust], [c.1454/55].
*** A single leaf from \"greatest of all printed books\" (PMM).
This leaf is particularly desirable since the distinctive ox head watermark is clearly visible right in the middle of the page and is only partially covered by one column of text. This is one of three watermarks used in the Bible (the others being a bunch of grapes and a walking ox); the paper itself was imported from Caselle in Piedmont, Northern Italy, one of the main paper-making centres in the 15th century.
It is the first substantial European printed book. The humanist Aeneas Sylvius, secretary of Emperor Fredrick III, saw sample sheets of the Bible at the Imperial diet in Frankfurt am Main, in late October or early November1454, and again at Wiener Neustatt in March 1455, from where he wrote about the amazing production to his friend Cardinal Carvajal in Rome.
\"Its printers were competing in the market hitherto supplied by the producers of highclass manuscripts. The design of the book and the layout of the book were therefore based on the book-hand and manuscript design of the day, and a very high standard of press-work was required, and obtained, to enable the new mechanical product to compete successfully with its handproduced rivals. Standards were set in quality of paper and blackness of ink, in design and professional skill, which the printers of later generations have found difficult to maintain\" (PMM).
Literature: BMC I, 17; Goff B-526; H 3031*; Bod-inc B-237; BSB-Ink B-408; GW 4201; ISTC ib00526000.")
![106
Bible leaf, Latin. Single leaf from the Gutenberg Bible, comprising Numbers 7.38-8.12, double column, 42 lines, Gothic type, headlines of Lombard capitals in alternating red and blue, 2-line chapter initial L in red, chapter number in alternating blue and red, initial-strokes in red, central ox head watermark clearly visible, a few patches of light foxing, inner margin neatly strengthened, preserved in folding card chemise and custom morocco-backed drop-back box, folio (390 x 285 mm.), [Mainz], [Johann Gutenberg & Johann Fust], [c.1454/55].
*** A single leaf from "greatest of all printed books" (PMM).
This leaf is particularly desirable since the distinctive ox head watermark is clearly visible right in the middle of the page and is only partially covered by one column of text. This is one of three watermarks used in the Bible (the others being a bunch of grapes and a walking ox); the paper itself was imported from Caselle in Piedmont, Northern Italy, one of the main paper-making centres in the 15th century.
It is the first substantial European printed book. The humanist Aeneas Sylvius, secretary of Emperor Fredrick III, saw sample sheets of the Bible at the Imperial diet in Frankfurt am Main, in late October or early November1454, and again at Wiener Neustatt in March 1455, from where he wrote about the amazing production to his friend Cardinal Carvajal in Rome.
"Its printers were competing in the market hitherto supplied by the producers of highclass manuscripts. The design of the book and the layout of the book were therefore based on the book-hand and manuscript design of the day, and a very high standard of press-work was required, and obtained, to enable the new mechanical product to compete successfully with its handproduced rivals. Standards were set in quality of paper and blackness of ink, in design and professional skill, which the printers of later generations have found difficult to maintain" (PMM).
Literature: BMC I, 17; Goff B-526; H 3031*; Bod-inc B-237; BSB-Ink B-408; GW 4201; ISTC ib00526000.](https://am-s3-bucket-assets.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/forum/prod/lot_images/small/3aa93e33-9b90-ee11-b864-d4548b6f1f2f/e6b60704-6e91-ee11-817a-6045bdcfd69d.webp "106
Bible leaf, Latin. Single leaf from the Gutenberg Bible, comprising Numbers 7.38-8.12, double column, 42 lines, Gothic type, headlines of Lombard capitals in alternating red and blue, 2-line chapter initial L in red, chapter number in alternating blue and red, initial-strokes in red, central ox head watermark clearly visible, a few patches of light foxing, inner margin neatly strengthened, preserved in folding card chemise and custom morocco-backed drop-back box, folio (390 x 285 mm.), [Mainz], [Johann Gutenberg & Johann Fust], [c.1454/55].
*** A single leaf from \"greatest of all printed books\" (PMM).
This leaf is particularly desirable since the distinctive ox head watermark is clearly visible right in the middle of the page and is only partially covered by one column of text. This is one of three watermarks used in the Bible (the others being a bunch of grapes and a walking ox); the paper itself was imported from Caselle in Piedmont, Northern Italy, one of the main paper-making centres in the 15th century.
It is the first substantial European printed book. The humanist Aeneas Sylvius, secretary of Emperor Fredrick III, saw sample sheets of the Bible at the Imperial diet in Frankfurt am Main, in late October or early November1454, and again at Wiener Neustatt in March 1455, from where he wrote about the amazing production to his friend Cardinal Carvajal in Rome.
\"Its printers were competing in the market hitherto supplied by the producers of highclass manuscripts. The design of the book and the layout of the book were therefore based on the book-hand and manuscript design of the day, and a very high standard of press-work was required, and obtained, to enable the new mechanical product to compete successfully with its handproduced rivals. Standards were set in quality of paper and blackness of ink, in design and professional skill, which the printers of later generations have found difficult to maintain\" (PMM).
Literature: BMC I, 17; Goff B-526; H 3031*; Bod-inc B-237; BSB-Ink B-408; GW 4201; ISTC ib00526000.")
![106
Bible leaf, Latin. Single leaf from the Gutenberg Bible, comprising Numbers 7.38-8.12, double column, 42 lines, Gothic type, headlines of Lombard capitals in alternating red and blue, 2-line chapter initial L in red, chapter number in alternating blue and red, initial-strokes in red, central ox head watermark clearly visible, a few patches of light foxing, inner margin neatly strengthened, preserved in folding card chemise and custom morocco-backed drop-back box, folio (390 x 285 mm.), [Mainz], [Johann Gutenberg & Johann Fust], [c.1454/55].
*** A single leaf from "greatest of all printed books" (PMM).
This leaf is particularly desirable since the distinctive ox head watermark is clearly visible right in the middle of the page and is only partially covered by one column of text. This is one of three watermarks used in the Bible (the others being a bunch of grapes and a walking ox); the paper itself was imported from Caselle in Piedmont, Northern Italy, one of the main paper-making centres in the 15th century.
It is the first substantial European printed book. The humanist Aeneas Sylvius, secretary of Emperor Fredrick III, saw sample sheets of the Bible at the Imperial diet in Frankfurt am Main, in late October or early November1454, and again at Wiener Neustatt in March 1455, from where he wrote about the amazing production to his friend Cardinal Carvajal in Rome.
"Its printers were competing in the market hitherto supplied by the producers of highclass manuscripts. The design of the book and the layout of the book were therefore based on the book-hand and manuscript design of the day, and a very high standard of press-work was required, and obtained, to enable the new mechanical product to compete successfully with its handproduced rivals. Standards were set in quality of paper and blackness of ink, in design and professional skill, which the printers of later generations have found difficult to maintain" (PMM).
Literature: BMC I, 17; Goff B-526; H 3031*; Bod-inc B-237; BSB-Ink B-408; GW 4201; ISTC ib00526000.](https://am-s3-bucket-assets.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/forum/prod/lot_images/small/3aa93e33-9b90-ee11-b864-d4548b6f1f2f/efb60704-6e91-ee11-817a-6045bdcfd69d.webp "106
Bible leaf, Latin. Single leaf from the Gutenberg Bible, comprising Numbers 7.38-8.12, double column, 42 lines, Gothic type, headlines of Lombard capitals in alternating red and blue, 2-line chapter initial L in red, chapter number in alternating blue and red, initial-strokes in red, central ox head watermark clearly visible, a few patches of light foxing, inner margin neatly strengthened, preserved in folding card chemise and custom morocco-backed drop-back box, folio (390 x 285 mm.), [Mainz], [Johann Gutenberg & Johann Fust], [c.1454/55].
*** A single leaf from \"greatest of all printed books\" (PMM).
This leaf is particularly desirable since the distinctive ox head watermark is clearly visible right in the middle of the page and is only partially covered by one column of text. This is one of three watermarks used in the Bible (the others being a bunch of grapes and a walking ox); the paper itself was imported from Caselle in Piedmont, Northern Italy, one of the main paper-making centres in the 15th century.
It is the first substantial European printed book. The humanist Aeneas Sylvius, secretary of Emperor Fredrick III, saw sample sheets of the Bible at the Imperial diet in Frankfurt am Main, in late October or early November1454, and again at Wiener Neustatt in March 1455, from where he wrote about the amazing production to his friend Cardinal Carvajal in Rome.
\"Its printers were competing in the market hitherto supplied by the producers of highclass manuscripts. The design of the book and the layout of the book were therefore based on the book-hand and manuscript design of the day, and a very high standard of press-work was required, and obtained, to enable the new mechanical product to compete successfully with its handproduced rivals. Standards were set in quality of paper and blackness of ink, in design and professional skill, which the printers of later generations have found difficult to maintain\" (PMM).
Literature: BMC I, 17; Goff B-526; H 3031*; Bod-inc B-237; BSB-Ink B-408; GW 4201; ISTC ib00526000.")
Description
Bible leaf, Latin. Single leaf from the Gutenberg Bible, comprising Numbers 7.38-8.12, double column, 42 lines, Gothic type, headlines of Lombard capitals in alternating red and blue, 2-line chapter initial L in red, chapter number in alternating blue and red, initial-strokes in red, central ox head watermark clearly visible, a few patches of light foxing, inner margin neatly strengthened, preserved in folding card chemise and custom morocco-backed drop-back box, folio (390 x 285 mm.), [Mainz], [Johann Gutenberg & Johann Fust], [c.1454/55].
⁂ A single leaf from "greatest of all printed books" (PMM).
This leaf is particularly desirable since the distinctive ox head watermark is clearly visible right in the middle of the page and is only partially covered by one column of text. This is one of three watermarks used in the Bible (the others being a bunch of grapes and a walking ox); the paper itself was imported from Caselle in Piedmont, Northern Italy, one of the main paper-making centres in the 15th century.
It is the first substantial European printed book. The humanist Aeneas Sylvius, secretary of Emperor Fredrick III, saw sample sheets of the Bible at the Imperial diet in Frankfurt am Main, in late October or early November1454, and again at Wiener Neustatt in March 1455, from where he wrote about the amazing production to his friend Cardinal Carvajal in Rome.
"Its printers were competing in the market hitherto supplied by the producers of highclass manuscripts. The design of the book and the layout of the book were therefore based on the book-hand and manuscript design of the day, and a very high standard of press-work was required, and obtained, to enable the new mechanical product to compete successfully with its handproduced rivals. Standards were set in quality of paper and blackness of ink, in design and professional skill, which the printers of later generations have found difficult to maintain" (PMM).
Literature: BMC I, 17; Goff B-526; H 3031*; Bod-inc B-237; BSB-Ink B-408; GW 4201; ISTC ib00526000.
Lot 106
Bible leaf, Latin. Single leaf from the Gutenberg Bible, [Mainz], [Johann Gutenberg & Johann Fust], [c.1454/55].
Hammer Price: £55,000
Description
Bible leaf, Latin. Single leaf from the Gutenberg Bible, comprising Numbers 7.38-8.12, double column, 42 lines, Gothic type, headlines of Lombard capitals in alternating red and blue, 2-line chapter initial L in red, chapter number in alternating blue and red, initial-strokes in red, central ox head watermark clearly visible, a few patches of light foxing, inner margin neatly strengthened, preserved in folding card chemise and custom morocco-backed drop-back box, folio (390 x 285 mm.), [Mainz], [Johann Gutenberg & Johann Fust], [c.1454/55].
⁂ A single leaf from "greatest of all printed books" (PMM).
This leaf is particularly desirable since the distinctive ox head watermark is clearly visible right in the middle of the page and is only partially covered by one column of text. This is one of three watermarks used in the Bible (the others being a bunch of grapes and a walking ox); the paper itself was imported from Caselle in Piedmont, Northern Italy, one of the main paper-making centres in the 15th century.
It is the first substantial European printed book. The humanist Aeneas Sylvius, secretary of Emperor Fredrick III, saw sample sheets of the Bible at the Imperial diet in Frankfurt am Main, in late October or early November1454, and again at Wiener Neustatt in March 1455, from where he wrote about the amazing production to his friend Cardinal Carvajal in Rome.
"Its printers were competing in the market hitherto supplied by the producers of highclass manuscripts. The design of the book and the layout of the book were therefore based on the book-hand and manuscript design of the day, and a very high standard of press-work was required, and obtained, to enable the new mechanical product to compete successfully with its handproduced rivals. Standards were set in quality of paper and blackness of ink, in design and professional skill, which the printers of later generations have found difficult to maintain" (PMM).
Literature: BMC I, 17; Goff B-526; H 3031*; Bod-inc B-237; BSB-Ink B-408; GW 4201; ISTC ib00526000.
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