Rare Antique Seventeenth Century Armorial French Book "Ludovico XIII" circa 1626

The text contains the poetical works of Petro d'Aulberoche. The frontispiece of the text is engraved with the arms of Henry IV. There are two cul de lampe vignettes and two decorated capitals within the text.

The binding is bound in seventeenth century full brown morocco leather. The front and back cover boards are embellished in the same manner, with the central hand-tooled gilt coat of arms of Louis XIII framed by an inner double gilt filet with fleur de lis at the angles, and an outer double filet gilt frame. The spine is separated into six compartments by gilt tooled bands, in the center of these compartments are six gilt tooled fleur de lis.

The binding size is (in-12)6 3/4" x 4 1/4" (170 x 108 mm). For it's extreme age the binding is in good condition. There is some darkening of leather along spine and covers, with light browning and occasional foxing throughout text. The gilt embossed arms remain clear and crisp.

It is a rare and exceptional example of a early French royal binding.

Item ID: LC75