Really a charming antique gilt leather autograph album, c. 1880's.
It is covered in a rich burgundy leather that is decorated in an aesthetic flower,
vine, leaf and butterfly motif, accented with a really attractive period gold and
silver gilt. The leaves were done with some type of layering technique, to give
them a very three dimensional effect.
Back cover is embossed with a pretty bow and tassel design.
The spine is also heavily decorated in a beautiful gilt design with an angel, dove
and flowers.
First interior page is lettered in extremely fancy, ornate metallic gold script;
Autographs
All pages have gilt edges.
The album apparently belonged to a Miss Jessie Oxley of Clay Center, Kansas and there
are a number of sweet inscriptions, as well as a drawing, all dating from 1882 -
1887.
One of my favorite mementos is dated 1/15/1882 and reads:
Friendship improves happiness and abates misery,
by doubling our joys and dividing our grief.
The last inscription reads:
Sister Jessie,
Last in your album,
Last in your thought,
First to
be remembered,
and last to be forgot
Your sister, Flora M. Oxley Feb 13,
1882
Due to several relative messages included in the album (this was a large family
with at least 7 children) it was quite easy to find information about them on the
web. In just a few minutes I discovered that the father of Jessie, Flora and another
sister listed in the album named Mary (nicknamed Molly) whose name was Robert H.
Oxley, (born in 1833) was the Deputy Sheriff of Clay Center Kansas. (per the 1880
US Federal Census) I’m sure a more detailed search would be very interesting.
This album is not in perfect condition, as top and bottom edges of spine show wear,
however this has not really effected the integrity of the book. The pages have not
come loose and seem to be secure. Moire paper covering interior of front and back
covers remains snugly attached, with only one small 1/2 tear at front bottom seam.
Interior pages, which alternate colors of cream and green, show some darkening near
edges and some have smudges, but they all appear to be intact, free of bends, tears,
folds, etc. Gilt page edging is in very nice condition.
Gilding on front cover also looks quite good, with some light wear at upper right
corner and to a lesser degree lower left. Back cover is not as nice as the front,
showing a number of scratches, scuffs and general light cosmetic mars to the leather.
Even though this little 125 year old antique book is not in perfect condition, it
is still a charming memento of days gone by and sure to bring a smile.
