Antique Autograph Album READING,PA Berks County 1854 Start Price USD 39.88 Current Price USD 105.50 Time Left - Bid Count 4 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Thursday, November 27, 2008 End Time Sunday, December 07, 2008 Location Glen Rock, NJ See more about 'Antique Autograph Album READING,PA Berks County 1854' Description Antique Autograph Album READING,PA Berks County 1854   This is an absolutely extraordinary antique autograph album dated 1854 and inscribed by its owner, "Kate Borell, 1854". Included as well is a hand painted fantastically executed watercolor book plate dated 1851!!, written in German, "Katharina Borell" and never attached. A good close-up, although lighter than it appears in person, shows the date and workmanship. This has been flat for at least a century or more but shows a very light fold crease with minute splits on the extreme end of the borders. The front cover is detached and the spine has perished. The front fly paper is also detached and shows a dedication "From a Friend", as shown, 1854. Everything else is bound to the spine and to the back cover. Every once in a while there is a loose page here and there, but none are out. The leather boards still show their extravagant gold embossing. There is some light spot foxing occasionally with some appearing on the tissue overlays that are over the included illustrations. A few of these have some slight damage. There are also some finger marks etc., but overall the pages being rag are quite good, clean, and some are blank. Some of inscriptions within are lighter than others but all are easily legible, some being in pencil, but mostly in ink, albeit some are in German. Included are some by friends, cousins, her sister and brothers, including "Henry", who served during the Civil War in "Ellsworth's Zouaves, 50th Pa. Regiment, Co. B.", as a private. The last entry in 1877 is by her daughter, "E. Rothenhausler" of Phila. Overall this is in very good condition, and complete with some little pressed flowers and four leaf clovers. A truly historic glimpse into a Reading, Berks County, Pa. family. It is a fine example of how important it was for people of the time to capture by their own hand on paper their thoughts and love in perpetuity. Somehow its thoughtfulness and tenderness exhibits a stark contrast to our modern era with its instant internet email and messaging, none of which will probably be treasured for a lifetime. It's hard to hug your computer. Here treasured words and sentiments could be read held and fondled forever. This was acquired by me at an auction in Buckingham, Pa over 40 years ago. Never offered for sale before or since. I hope the many photographs give a good indication of its condition and content. S+H priority mail calculated, insurance upon request. Overseas other rates apply. Shipping charges will be determined by buyers address. Most cost effective and safest shipping method always sought. Mailed payment from winning bidder due within 10 days of auctions closing. I accept PayPal or Money Orders and checks. Insured shipping upon request. Payment I sell a wide variety of vintage and antique items. All items sold are described as best and as accurately as possible(all are magnified). Therefore there are no returns. All items are packed well. Insurance is your responsibility and is a suggested option. Breakables must always have insurance. Delivery Confirmation is included in S+H, but that is not insurance. Once mailed all I can do is provide you with that information.       I accept the following forms of payment: PayPal Money OrderShipping & Handling Enter ZIP Code and click button to see prices:   USPS Priority Mail® Click to View Image Album Click to View Image Album Click to View Image Album Click to View Image Album Click to View Image Album Click to View Image Album Click to View Image Album Click to View Image Album Click to View Image Album Click to View Image Album Click to View Image Album Click to View Image Album Click to View Image Album Click to View Image Album Click to View Image Album Click to View Image Album Click to View Image Album Click to View Image Album    FREE scheduling, supersized images and templates. Get Vendio Sales Manager.    FREE scheduling, supersized images and templates. Get Vendio Sales Manager. Place a Bid!