Antique Victorian Photograph Albumn 1880's Leather Bound Brass Clasp Large Size
Thanks for looking
I'm a professional business seller on here but actually selling this album (and two others separately) for a friend. This has been passed down through several generations in his family but it's not something he thinks they want to keep (new baby on the way - he'd rather use the funds for that!) So he's asked me to sell it for him - he hasn't even opened it in decades so hopes it'll go to someone who will use and appreciate it! It's not often that a complete one of these in such good condition comes onto the market so please read the description all the way to the end!
All the photographs are present, crisp and clear. Each one has a story behind it which makes this a thoroughly fascinating and definitely unique piece!
I'm not a specialist antique photograph album dealer so have done some research on this. If you're reading this then you'll already know that Victorian Photograph Albumns have become highly collectable. This one in particular is a magnificent example so please check the condition details below.
Details
It's an extra large sized album and measures 11.5 x 9 x 2.5 inches. Very heavy at 3kg.
The album was handmade in the UK and is Moroccan leather bound - the leather has been embossed with a thistle design which indicated a Scottish connection. There is a gold edging to the pages.
There is a thick, brass clasp which seals the book - this is fully working
The albumn was presented to Alice Emma Ecclestone on Valentines day 1891. All pages and photographs are present - approx 18 pages which are made from thick cardboard with cutouts for the photographs. The photo frame areas have printed, colour images of British birds and wild flowers surrounding each photo. There are approximately 68 photographs. From what I can tell the photographs were taken between 1880 and 1890
Condition
This is the best part! Considering this was created in the same year that Yellowstone National Park was founded it's old...very old and in superb condition! Firstly, it's complete - all pages and photographs are present. Secondly, there has been absolutely zero degradation to the pages and more importantly the binding - everything still works just as well as the day it was made. There is some natural yellowing to the white parts of the pages but most importantly, the photos themselves remain crisp and clear. The gold edging on the pages remains perfect with no wear. The leather cover have some scuffs and light wear at the edges but nothing serious and nothing you wouldn't expect from an albumn of this great age. As mentioned above it still has the original brass clasp which works perfectly.
Overall, after looking at the market this is a superior example of a one-off item. If you're looking for one of these then it's unlikely that you'll find another one in such good condition at this price point which brings me to...
Pricing
It's very difficult to price a rare object like this! I've checked the market and basically, you can get a battered one with loads of pages and photos missing for around £70 (you can get these refurbished but that process starts at around £300 and removes all originality so defeats the purpose!). A pristine/mint one will set you back at least £450! This particular one whilst being very, very good isn't quite pristine so I'm asking for less than half the trending price. For something this rare, this old and in such good and complete condition I think this is a more than fair price. As time passes these albumns are only going up in value so it would make a sound investment for the future.
Feel free to ask any questions. It's not a cheap, throwaway item so I'm happy to send any additional pics or details if you need them - just ask!
Shipped within 24h tracked with Royal Mail - it's a heavy item so will be well padded and boxed before shipping to ensure a safe delivery
International trade welcome through ebay's global shipping program
Professional, honest and reliable seller with over fifteen years top rated experience online. Please check my feedback - thousands of happy clients! Any problems you'll get a full refund (as stipulated in my ebay business seller agreement).
Peace & Good Luck!