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Adomeit mss., 2000 B.C.-1995

Papers of Various at the Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana

Electronic finding aid encoded by Indiana University Libraries.

Summary Information

Repository
Lilly Library (Indiana University, Bloomington)
Indiana University
1200 E. Seventh St.
Bloomington, IN 47405-5500
Phone: 812-855-2452
Fax: 812-855-3143
Email: liblilly@indiana.edu
http://www.indiana.edu/~liblilly

Creator
Various

Title
Adomeit mss., 2000 B.C.-1995

Collection No.
LMC 2430

Extent
172 items

Language
Materials are in Various.

Abstract
The Adomeit mss., ca. 2000 B.C.-1995 A.D. consist of miniature manuscripts collected by Ruth Elizabeth Adomeit, 1910-1996.

Access Restrictions

This collection is open for research.

Biographical Note

Ruth Elizabeth Adomeit, 1910-1996, was a miniature book collector and bibliographer. She was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio and worked as a secretary and research assistant in engineering, and as an elementary school teacher until her retirement. Collecting miniature books was her lifetime passion, begun with gifts from her father while she was at Wellesley College in Massachusetts. She edited the Miniature Book Collector, a quarterly publication which consisted of eight issues, plus an index, from 1960 to 1962. Following the demise of this publication, she and other miniature book enthusiasts founded the Miniature Book Society and Adomeit served as editor of the Society's Newsletter for several years. Throughout this time and into the 1990's, she wrote several articles and spoke at various venues on miniature book collecting. In 1980 she completed the bibliography, Three Centuries of Thumb Bibles (New York: Garland Pub., 1980), the standard reference work for these books.

Arrangement

The items are arranged chronologically when possible, and by theme or content in some cases.

Scope and Content Note

The collection consists of miniature manuscripts collected by Ruth Adomeit and includes clay tablets, a 14th century miniature Magna Carta, medieval works, Korans, both old and modern, and contemporary calligraphic works done by friends for Adomeit.

Note on Indexing Term - "Law": Included is a 14th century miniature Magna Carta.

Note on Indexing Term - "Religion": Included are clay tablets, medieval works, and several Korans.

Related Material

See Adomeit mss. II and Adomeit mss. III, also located at the Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana.

Administrative Information

Acquisition Information
Gift: 1996
Usage Restrictions
Prior arrangements are not necessary before coming to the Library, however, patrons from out of town are encouraged to communicate with the Library in advance of their visits to ascertain availability of materials.

Photocopying permitted only with permission of the curator.

Preferred Citation
[Item], Adomeit mss., Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana.

Container List


Series: Numbered Series

Single leaves and fragments begin with 34


2000 B.C. -   1: Babylonian cuneiform clay tablet.

4 x 4 x 1.5 cm.

  • Text in Sumerian, translated by Scott B. Noegel of the University of Washington, Seattle, after a transcription by David I. Owen of Cornell University: letter (with transcription and translation) of Noegel to Carleton Hodge, November 27, 1997 – which states the tablet is from Umma and dates to the Ur III period (ca. 2150).
  • Accompanied by paper tag which reads: Seal, Babylonian, 2000 B.C.
  • Also accompanied by letter from Professor George Mylonas (1898-1988) of Washington University, St. Louis, Mo., to Morton D. May of the May Department Store of St. Louis, October 20, 1963, authenticating the items offered for sale: letter filed separately in the Green box as Ms 1b.
  • Also accompanied by the Scott B. Noegel letter – as above. Filed as 1c.
  • Acquired with Ms. 1 were clay tablets, Ms. 2 and Ms. 3, characterized by Noegel as “forgeries, clever ones, but forgeries none the less”. Each 4x3.3x1cm., with strip in Arabic on two sides.

Undated -   2: Babylonian cuneiform clay tablet (forgery).

4 x 3.3 x 1 cm.

  • Text appears to be in fine condition.
  • Not translated.
  • Clay may have suffered some smoke discoloration. Has identification strip in Arabic on two sides.
  • Date based on time period of No. 1. Acquired with No. 1 characterized by Noegel as “forgery, clever one, but forgery none-the-less”

Undated -   3: Babylonian cuneiform clay tablet (forgery).

4 x 3.3 x 1 cm.

  • Text slightly eroded.
  • Not translated.
  • Some smoke discoloration. Has identification strip in Arabic on two sides.
  • Date based on time period of No. 1. Acquired with No. 1 characterized by Noegel as “forgery, clever one, but forgery none-the-less”

[1360] -   4: Great Britain. Laws and statutes, etc. Magna Carta. Vellum.

10.5 x 7 x 3.5 cm. 176 leaves.

  • 22 lines per page. Chapter headings, leaves 1v-5v; Magna carta, leaves 6r-16v; De Foresta, leaves 16v-21r; and related statutes.
  • From the collection of antiquary Beaupre Bell of Norfolk in 1724 (1704-1745, DNB and Mansell 44:555) (leaf 175v); [later given to?] “viro amicissimo” antiquary Maurice Johnson in 1733 (1688-1755, DNB and Mansell 282:291) (leaf 1r).
  • Leaf 14 bears a cut-out of a coat of arms with sheafs of wheat and bells.
  • Dark brown tooled cover with gold outline; on spine with raise bands: Magna Charta & Mss.
  • Inside front cover: MS 26, in ink.
  • Inside front flyleaf:” Crassus A 15.
  • Justin Schiller inventory of May 1996 (no. 111) cites this piece as ca. 1360.
  • Bookplate of Ruth Adomeit.

[1440] -   5: Catholic Church. Liturgy and ritual. Hours. Vellum.

8.5 x 7.2 x 1.8 cm. 114 leaves.

  • 15 lines per page. Calendar, leaves 1-2. Text begins – Domine labia mea apreis… leaves 13-94r.
  • Initials in gold, red and blue, with floriated margins around the miniature.
  • Miniature No. 1, The crucifixion, leaf 13v; No. 2, The Annunciation, leaf 17v.; No. 3, Presentation in the Temple, leaf 31v; No. 4, Last Judgment, leaf 76v; each in gold, red, blue and green.
  • Twenty lines of apparent verse in script hand, verses numbered 1-10, and ending: “luogo di sopra superior, luogo desore inferiore, leaves 96- 96v-97r."
  • Fifty-one lines in small script hand beginning: Offici…, leaves 97v-99r.
  • In pencil – Book of Hours, ca. 1440, Belgium, leaf 114r.
  • Several blank leaves. Dark red velvet cover with raised bands on spine, end paper in muted patterned colors.
  • Bookplate of Ruth Adomeit.

15th century -   6: Catholic Church. Liturgy and ritual. Hours. Vellum.

6.9 x 5.8 x 2 cm. 154 leaves.

  • 12 lines per page. Calendar, leaves 1-12. Text begins with the Office of the most holy Virgin Mary, leaves 13-154.
  • Illuminations: No. 1, Mother and child in letter D, leaf 13; Nos. 2-7, decorated initial O, leaves 36, 41, 46, 51, 55, 64; No. 8, David at prayer in letter D, leaf 87; No. 9, Skull in letter O, leaf 111; No. 10, Figure in white holding up a gold cross in letter D, leaf 150.
  • On last page in pencil: 19082.
  • Vellum cover. In blue case labeled: Prayerbook, Florence, XV century.
  • Book plates of AHA (Arthur Amory Houghton, 1906-1990), and Ruth Adomeit

15th century -   7: Catholic Church. Liturgy and ritual. Hours. Vellum.

10.5 x 7.5 x 2.5 cm. 126 leaves.

  • 14 lines per page. Calendar, leaves 1-12. Text begins – Domine labia mea aperies…leaves 13-126.
  • Miniatures: No. 1, Annunciation, leaf 13r; No. 2, Nativity, leaf 34r; No. 3, The Crucifixion, leaf 60r; No. 4, Pentecost, leaf 65r; No. 5, David at prayer, leaf 70r; No. 6, Funeral mass, leaf 88r; all in gold and colors with marginal decorations in flowers, flourishes, and occasional snails and exotic animal.
  • Another hand style (Gothic cursive?) on leaves 33v, 38v, 41v, 45v, 47v, 50r, 54r, 59v, 91v, 122v, 125v, 126r.
  • Previous cataloging notes in pencil inside front cover.
  • Tooled brown leather cover with raised bands, broken leather clasp.
  • Bookplate of Cortlandt Field Bishop (1870-1935) in gold on maroon with bishop’s mitre.
  • This Book of Hours not found in the C.F. Bishop sales catalog of Anderson Galleries in 1938 and 1939 (Lilly Z997 .B6); some of the French library formed by Bishop was acquired and later sold by Mr. and Mrs. Shirley Falcke by Kende Galleries in 1948 (Mansell 58:650)

15th century -   8: Catholic Church. Liturgy and ritual. Hours. Vellum.

8.2 x 5.5 x 3.8 cm. 151 leaves.

  • Lineage varies. Leaves 16-64: 16-18 lines per page. Leaves 66-147: 28-32 lines per page. Leaves 147v-148v: 13 lines per page. Leaves 149-151: 20-27 lines per page.
  • Calendar: leaves 2-13.
  • Two inserts: between leaves 13-14 (dominical chart) and leaves 136-137 (3.5x4cm.).
  • In black and red ink.
  • References to Jerome (leaf 134) and Theodore (leaf 136).
  • Bound in brown tooled leather with metal clasp; marbled lining paper.
  • In dark red case labeled in gold: Book of hours, 15th century, Henderson Collection

c. 1525 -   9: Catholic Church. Liturgy and ritual. Hours. Vellum.

4.5 x 3.5 x 1.5 cm. 116 leaves.

  • 13 lines per page. Lacks calendar. Text begins – Initium sancti evangelii secundum Iohannem (page faded); and ends – miserere nobis. Sancta Maria.
  • Rubricated initials.
  • Miniatures: (full page): No. 1, Annunciation, leaf 4v; No. 2, Visitation, leaf 24v; No. 3, Nativity, leaf 49r; No. 5, Magi, leaf 62r; No. 6, Presentation in the temple, leaf 68r; No. 7, Flight into Egypt, leaf 73v; No. 8, Coronation of the Virgin, leaf 86v; No. 9, David in prayer, leaf 94r; each framed by pillars on dark blue background.
  • Worn red velvet cover.
  • In case labeled: Book of Hours, France, c. 1525.
  • Book plates of Eric Hyde Lord Sexton (1902- , Mansell 540: 152-153) and Ruth Adomeit inside case, and Adomeit book plate inside front cover

December 1550 -   10: Fontevrault, Order of. Regula Sororum ordinis. Fontis-Ebraldi/Regula Fratrum ordinis Fontis-Ebraldi. Vellum.

6.5 x 5 x 2.2 cm. 159 leaves.

  • 18 lines per page. Contents include: Index leaves i-iv; Regula Sororum…(76 chapters) leaves 1-126; Regula Fratrum…(16 chapters) leaves 127-148; other considerations for the “fratres” and ending “…in Syon”, leaves 149-155.
  • Floriated initials on division headings, leaves 1 and 127; smaller floriated initials on gold for chapter headings.
  • Occasional Biblical references in margins, e.g., leaf 127, John 19 [:27] and leaf 153, Matthew 11 [:28].
  • Few lines in French on leaves 149 and 151.
  • References to Mary of Brittany, abbess, leaf 124 and Pope Sixtus the Fourth, leaf 125. The rules of the double monastery, founded about 1100, were ordered revised by the abbess in 1471 and approved by the pope in 1475 – Catholic Encyclopedia (1913) VI:130.
  • This copy prepared by Jacobus in December, 1550, leaf 155.
  • Varies somewhat from the edition published in dual columns of French and Latin in 1642 (Mansell: 177:220), Regvla Ordinis Fontis-Ebraldi…Paris, Chez Antoine Vitray, 1642 (BX7827 .F58 1642 at St. Vincent Arch abbey Library, Latrobe, Pennsylvania): the Index divided into rules for the Sisters and for the Brothers and revised to become a Table of contents; the Sisters’ chapters reduced from 76 to 74; other considerations for Brothers omitted and replaced by the Bull of 1523 of Clement VII.
  • Bound in brown leather with gold stamping and a word impressed on the spine.
  • Bookplate of Ruth Adomeit

1611-1612 -   11: Catholic Church. Liturgy and ritual. Gebeth-Büchlein. Paper.

10 x 7.1 x 2.5 cm. 97 leaves.

  • 13 lines per page. Chiefly in German; three sections in Latin: Hymnus (in 3 line rimes), 82r-85v; Oratio…, 85v-88v; Psalm 145, 95r-97r.
  • Full page illustration in dark colors: 1. Title page with multi-views and date, 1611, leaf 1r. 2. David at prayer, leaf 2v. 3. The Crucifixion with Mary and John, leaf 29v. 4. The Annunciation, leaf 51v. 5. St. Augustine, leaf 59v. 6. Baptism of Jesus, leaf 66v. 7. Priest offering mass with two altar boys, leaf 68v. 8. St. John, the Apostle, leaf 79v. 9. St. Margaretha, leaf 89r. 10. Patron in armor praying before Jesus on the cross, leaf 94v.
  • Penned designs on leaves 29v, 51r, 68r, 88v, 94r.
  • The date 1612, Prague, and the name of Georgium Lubsteckh von Regenspurg with two cherubs on 97r, 97v.
  • Each page is bordered on all four sides with pen designs of animals (llama, 21r), insects (grasshopper, 13r), fish, fruit, buildings, books and bookstand (31r), tools, tents, guitars, coats of arms, Noah’s ark (41r), etc.
  • Leaves 92-97 are loose. Leaf 97v also bears date of 1611.
  • Bound in brown leather and with gold stamped design on spine and with marbled lining paper.
  • In dark red case stamped on spine: Gebeth-Büchlein, 1611

17th century -   12: Hindu language roll. Vellum.

252 inches long, 1.5 inches wide.

  • Has 12 circular miniatures, illuminated in gold and colors, of Hindu deities (three with tigers).
  • Text written within alternating (82) circles and (72) ovals, each with red border lines.
  • Stitched on red silk attached to a black leather spool with a long leather tag; original tie missing.
  • Dealer’s printed description for item 377 pasted on end of roll, undated.
  • On core of spool: The Newberry Library, acquired from Edward E. Ayer. By special arrangement with the Board of Trustees, December, 1920.
  • Bookplate of Ruth Adomeit on side of spool

18th century -   13: Torres, Cayento Antonio, 1719-1787, scholar. Exercicio para el ultimo Viernes de Espiritu Santo en honra de N. Sor. De El Consuelo. Paper.

10.6 x 7.7 x 2.9 cm. 317 pages.

  • 15-17 lines per page. Contents include “Carta de Esclaritud de las Religiosas Capuchinas à nrõ Señor de Consuelo” (pp. 138-141) and Indice (pp. 313-317).
  • Signature of Torres found on page 312.
  • Paper bears watermarks, see esp. 305 and 307.
  • Bound in brown leather with cord clasps.
  • Inside front cover a pasted-in notice by the vendor of “Desinfectado”, June 27, 1929

1833? -   14: The Koran. Paper.

17 x 11.3 x 3 cm. 604 pages.

  • 15 lines per page. Opening leaves with gold arabesques, blue and red.
  • Text outlined in gold, with occasional marginal references in red.
  • Rosettes of gold with blue, pink or red.
  • Page 233-234 has lower corner cut out. Some staining of the pages.
  • Penciled date of 1833 opposite page one.
  • Envelope style binding with red spine; the envelope flap torn off.
  • Characteristic Islamic design on cover

1839-1860 -   15: Autograph booklet in German. Paper.

9.6 x 15.5 x 1.6 cm. (except for one page, 16 x 12.5 cm.) 49 pages.

  • Slips of paper with messages in German (one in French) from 47 men and women of the East Prussian cities, later in Poland: Barcin, Bromberg (Bydgoszcz), Czaycz?, Graudenz (Grudziadz), Nakel?, Stettin (Czczecin).
  • Two slips have brown hair attached, two have hand-colored wreaths, one has a small leaf sewn on.
  • Slips often bear “symbol” notes.
  • An undated apparent cover slip in German bears two names later found in the message portion.
  • Housed in a worn green slipcase holding an autograph box with white, gold, and red covers with gold edges and an inside cover lining in green and gold metallic border; black and gold spine with wording: E. Rabbow, 1839; cover card with gold metallic border, framed compote of roses with printed wording in German.
  • Verso of cover card appears to have a travel itinerary in pencil: New York, New Rochelle, West Chester, Buffalo, Troy, Syracuse, Cleveland

1885 -   16: Bolton, Charles Knowles, 1867-1950, librarian. Homemade playing cards. Paper.

5.7 x 3.2 x 9 cm. 52 cards.

  • Includes title or face card, Nos. 2-10, Jack, Queen, King, for spades, hearts, clubs, and diamonds, in red or black.
  • Initial card has the name of Charles K. Bolton, Cleveland, Ohio, 1885.
  • “Used in the High School, 1885-6. C.K.B.”: note on homemade box for holding the cards

19th century -   17: Froehlich, Karl Hermann, 1821-1898, artist, illustrator. Ten Silhouettes. Mounted in a homemade album. Paper.

19.6 x 11.8 cm. 10 leaves.

  • Silhouettes cut from black paper: Leaf 2: Partridge amidst flora near water, 4.5x5.5cm. Leaf 3: a. Bird protecting its nest from a small animal – some damage to upper leaves, 6x5.5cm.; b. Rabbit amidst the plants, 5x6cm. Leaf 4: a. Boy with horn and girl carrying a load of hay, being nibbled by cow and goat, 3.8x5.6cm.; b. Boy with scythe and rake carrying a basket of foliage, being nibbled by a goat, 4.5x5.6cm. Leaf 5: a. Two squirrels in a tree, 6.3x5.8cm.; b. Bird in a tree, 6x5cm. Leaf 6: Bouquet of flowers in a basket, 6.8x9.5cm. Leaf 7: Girl carrying bundle of grasses on head, leading a cow with a bell, followed by boy with horn, scythe and basket of grasses, 7.6x14cm. Leaf 8: Young lady with parasol being introduced by woman friend to a soldier with sword, while the father looks on, 7.2x12cm. Leaves 1, 9, 10 blank; all pages spotted. Mounted only at a strategic site; the rest loose.
  • For background on Froehlich, see Hans Riess, Illustration und Illustratorem, 1871-1914, page 535 (Lilly Z1037 .R55); for examples of Froehlich’s work, see The Collector’s Book of Childrens’ Books by Eric Quayle, page 134 (Lilly Z1037 .Z2).
  • Accompanied by dealer’s description.
  • In blue and brown paper covers, housed in protective cloth case, and it in turn in a black and white box with gilt leather label: Silhouette Album, Karl Froehlich.
  • Bookplate of Ruth Adomeit

19th century -   18: Lottchen tritt zum ersten male aus in einem weissen kleide ein Büch liegl zu ihren süssen [costumes]. Paper.

15 x 10.8 x 1.6 cm. 20 pages.

  • Fifteen pages of text in German of a child’s morality story with costumes on watermarked paper (for watermark, see Churchill, Watermarks in Paper, Lilly Z237. C5, page 13 for Du Ervend Blauw, 1822).
  • Text presents the following costumes for a removable female head: the head, 4cm. in length, with brown hair in plain style and eyes that “speak”: 1. Empire style white dress, high blue sash, blue shoes standing by a dark red chair, book on floor, green and brown carpet. 9cm. 2. White dress, pink sash, blue jacket, blue and white boa headdress; two red-roofed houses in background. 11.7cm. 3. White dress, pink sash, blue jacket, detachable blue headdress and white boa, umbrella down, dress splashed with mud. 9cm. 4. Yellow dress, blue cloak, detachable blue headdress, carrying a white and pink bag. 8.7cm. 5. Yellow dress with a book and brush on stool. 7.5cm. 6. On a card, 8.7x10.3cm., a barefooted figure reclining under a tree, in brown dress and red cloak with holes, and blue and white scarf on head space. Small figure and building in distance. 7. Blue dress with a white apron and collar holding an unidentified object in elbow – buildings in background. 8. Dark red dress and cloak, white apron, with basket, with trees and buildings in distance. Pasted-on holder for head missing. 9. White empire dress with high blue sash, seated on chair at table, book in hand with writing instrument on table.
  • In a handmade holder of brown marbleized paper and green edges with missing frayed tie; in turn in a pink paper holder placed in a soiled pink and white opened ended slip case.

Undated -   19: Bibliotheca. Book of religious meditations, reflections, and considerations. Paper.

9.5 x 6.9 x 2.5 cm. 152 leaves.

  • View All (12)
  • 16 lines per page. Remainder of title cut out – followed by date: 1639.
  • Apparent name of writer on leaf 17r crossed out – with copy in pencil below: [Bomper?] George Brisac.
  • In black and red ink. Decorated with design in red and blue ink.
  • Bordered with printed black and white designs (leaf 33v has an exotic animal; 43v, 63v, 72v, 74v, 105r, similar but not always identical in style; missing borders for leaves 37v, 68r, 127r).
  • Illustrated with full page printed views (leaf 36r – The Flight into Egypt and The Slaughter of the Innocents, and leaf 64r – remains of a female figure with an elaborate headdress (or ear trumpet?); missing illustrations for leaves 22r and 112v.
  • Blank leaves: 17v, 29r, 34v, 73r, 93r, 121r.
  • Faded text on leaf 128r (meant for missing illustrations?).
  • Contents include references to: Leo Papa (24v), Sancta Anselm Canthnax (35r), Legenda Morienta (63v), nostre congregatione fratrem (71v), Abram, Isaac, Jacobi (84r), Bible verses with chapter citations (113v-129r), Quantum vigit virgo beata (135r), Nota (139r and 149v), Epilogus (141r).
  • Two leaves written crossways on 141v and 152r.
  • End leaf watermarked with crown and oval.
  • Vellum cover with gold stamped shamrocks and designs. Bears coat of arms pasted inside front cover. Ownership stamp on fly leaf.
  • Bookplate of Ruth Adomeit

Undated -   20: Catholic Church. Liturgy and ritual. Hours. Vellum.

8.7 x 6.5 x 3.3 cm. 223 leaves.

  • 16 and 17 lines per page. Calendar, leaves 2-13. Text begins – Domine labia mea aperies…
  • Includes references to Pope Innocent, 176r, and St. Augustine, 218r; concludes with “mihi misserimo peccatore. Amen”.
  • Initials in red and blue.
  • Several different hand styles, occasional double columns, scattered marginalia.
  • Mended leaves at 99 and 145.
  • Apparent ownership stamp in black of an ornate shield and diamond shape on leaves 1r, 135v, 165r.
  • Tooled brown leather cover on thick boards and broken leather claps with metal attachments, raised bands on spine.

Undated -   21: Catholic Church. Liturgy and ritual. Hours. Vellum.

10.5 x 7.5 x 2.5 cm. 226 leaves.

  • 16 lines per page. Calendar: leaves 1-12. Text begins – Domine labia mea aperies…
  • Miniatures in gold, colors, often with pastoral background, and marginal decorations in flowers and birds: No. 1, leaf 13v, The Crucifixion; No. 2, leaf, 23v, Pentecost; No. 3, leaf 32v, Madonna and child with kneeling patron; No. 4, leaf 46v, Annunciation; No. 5, leaf 69v, Visitation; No. 6 , leaf 85v, Nativity; No. 7, leaf 92v, The Shepherds; No. 8, leaf 99v, The Magi; No. 9, leaf 104v, Presentation in the Temple; No. 10, leaf 109v, Slaying of the Innocents; No. 11, leaf 119v, Flight into Egypt; No. 12, leaf 127v, Crowning of Mary; No. 13, leaf 138v, Assumption of Mary; No. 14, 147v, David at prayer; No. 15, leaf 172v, The Funeral Mass: the faces of all especially distinct.
  • Initials in gold, blue and rose with flourishes.
  • Several leaves have crossed out lines; 90-92, 97-98, 103v, 108v, 125, 130, 143r, 145.
  • Brown velvet cover with raised bands.
  • Ex libris Presbitheri Joseph Marie Sormani, 1756: note preceding leaf 1.
  • Bookplate of Ruth Adomeit

Undated -   22: Catholic Church. Liturgy and ritual. Hours. Vellum.

8.7 x 6.8 x 3 cm. 179 leaves.

  • 16 lines per page. Calendar: leaves 1-12.
  • Front flyleaf with faded text on recto and legible text on verso, including… “beatu Antoniu…Amen”.
  • Miniature, leaf 13v: Patron kneeling before the Madonna – face and clothing eroded, as well as the marginal decoration.
  • Initials in gold, rose and blue.
  • Lines crossed out on leaves 26-27. Marginalia on leaf 86v.
  • Brown leather cover with raised bands; clasp missing.
  • Bookplate of Ruth Adomeit

Undated -   23: Catholic Church. Liturgy and ritual. Hours. Vellum.

7.3 x 6 x 1.4 cm. 42 leaves.

  • 12 lines per page. Lacks calendar.
  • Leaves 1, 7, and 17 bear large initials in gold and marginal designs with thistle, gold, blue, red and green.
  • Many small initials in gold or blue and red.
  • Front flyleaf bears inscription in ink in Hungarian.
  • Bookplate of Caroli Susich de Horvát Kécsa

Undated -   24: Coptic scroll. Vellum.

44 3/16 x 1 13/16 and 1.25 inches in diameter, rolled

  • Two long strips of vellum fastened together with a narrow piece of vellum.
  • Opening portion of 5 ½ inches has geometric designs in red and black with the eyes of a face. Ending portion of 2 ½ inches has geometric designs in red and black.
  • Text, not translated, in black, red, and purple, with marginal lines in color.
  • Verso of vellum blank.
  • Original cord tie for the roll broken.
  • Housed in a hinged wooden box, 2 ½ inches square, 1 1/16 inches deep with red veneer exterior, decorated on the sides with cloth bands in red, blue, and black; cover has four designs which may resemble the cruciform architectural style of the Coptic Church.
  • Accompanied by dealer tag which reads: Coptic scroll from Dunn Collection

Undated -   25: Devanagari (alphabet) language book. Paper.

4.8 x 9.7 x 1.6 cm. 61 leaves.

  • 5-7 lines per page.
  • Devangari alphabet used by Sanskrit, Hindi, Marathi, Guajarati and other modern Indian languages. Language designation from Ostermann, Manual of Foreign Languages (Fourth Edition), pp. 50-52 (Lilly P331 .U58 1952).
  • Text in black ink.
  • Leaves (loose, not bound) numbered in order as found – but not necessarily the correct order. Blank leaves: 41-44, 46-55, 58-59. Leaves 57-58-59, and 60-61 stuck together. Leaf 60 one-quarter the size of leaf 61.
  • Cloth wrapper of three layers of cloth stitched together – the outside layer retaining some of its floral design – with a cord hanger broken from its mounting corner. About three holes in the wrapper

Undated -   26: Devanagari (alphabet) language book. Paper.

8 x 7 x 2 cm. 182 leaves.

  • 5-6 lines per page.
  • Text in red and black ink enclosed in border of gold-yellow, black and red.
  • Language designation from Ostermann, Manual of Foreign Languages (Fourth Edition), pp. 50-52 (Lilly P331 .U58 1952).
  • Several blank leaves: 1, 8, 9, 10, 147, 182. Some staining of leaves.
  • Bound in cloth (perhaps yellow at one time) over sturdy paper, spine damaged.
  • Bookplate of Ruth Adomeit, upside down in front, with dealer’s marks.

Undated -   27: Devanagari (alphabet) language book. Paper.

8.4 x 16 x 3 cm. 246 leaves.

  • 5-6 lines per page.
  • Language designation from Ostermann, Manual of Foreign Languages (Fourth Edition), pp. 50-52 (Lilly P331 .U58 1952).
  • Text in red and black, enclosed in border of orange and blue pen except for leaves 34-35 which lack border and is on heavier quality paper. Blank leaves, 1, 2, 246.
  • Full page illustrations in color: leaf 3v – Man in chariot with two white horses and an attendant blowing a horn; leaf 142v – Man with four arms reclining in a many-headed fish with female attendant and above him a four-headed single torso; leaf 279v – Man shooting darts into a pink cloud holding a white-bearded man in supplication before the four-armed figure; leaf 202v – Bearded man and dart shooter kneeling before each other; leaf 215v – White elephant with one foot in fish’s mouth presenting flowers to the four-armed man with a winged beaked attendant.
  • Bound in hand embroidered cover on boards with blue lining paper – which has purple stamp inside cover.

Undated -   28: Ivory discs on a string – text and figures in Oriental style.

2.9 cm in diameter. 18 discs.

  • Each disc features an individual in a sitting position, sixteen men and two women. Men all with bald pates – except two with headdress; both women with headdress. Each with detailed facial expression. One man and one woman appear to be holding a string of beads – perhaps similar to this one? Background features leaves, birds, butterflies, clouds, flowers.
  • Verso of each has from 13-15 lines in miniscule Oriental characters, presumably telling the story of the pictorial side.
  • Each disc separated by a blue-gray bead, except for the tie portion

Undated -   29: The Koran. Paper.

12.4 x 7.4 x 2 cm. 165 leaves.

  • 11 lines per page.
  • Has initial gold and color rectangle decorations.
  • Text with narrow borders of gold and colors.
  • Many leaves with mended edges and corners. Some staining.
  • Fore edge and bottom edge gnawed [by rodent?]
  • Cover of colored paper on board with red cloth spine and corners – with worn thumb spot – all in worn condition.
  • Oval stamp: leaf 1v, 165r and v, and on rear flyleaf.

Undated -   30: Mahabharata. Bhagavadgita. Paper.

Roll ca. 184 inches long, 1 ¼ inches wide; ¾ inches in diameter.

  • Has 18 miniatures in green, blue, dark blue, white, pink and gold – some depicting as a part of a scene, an elephant, horse, fish, rat, goose, and elephant-headed and four headed deities.
  • Individuals with gold halos. Marginal lines in gold.
  • Roll has four tears and some frayed edges, mended with cloth and paper.
  • Text may be in the Devanagari alphabet used by Sanskrit and other Indian languages.
  • In small ivory jar minus its cap with wording: Eames Collection no. 1954, on the side, and on the bottom, Bhagavad Gita 18 miniatures.

Undated -   31: Moon diagrams with text. On bark?

6 x 6 x 1.9 cm. 12 accordion-style folded leaves.

  • Phases of the moon in 8 positions for each of the 12 months (See Encyclopedia Britannica, 14th edition, 15:778); one view per month for 12 folded leaves; each month with a line of text.
  • Verso of moon diagrams: text of 75 lines in an unidentified language, for 8 folded leaves with three dividing lines.
  • Language characterized by the frequent use of the form “o” underlined (perhaps Burmese?)
  • Cover folds [varnished?]; one cover fold torn in half

Undated -   32: Omar Khayyám, ca. 1025-1123, poet. Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyám. Selections. Vellum.

3.8 x 3.3 x 1.2 cm. 53 leaves.

  • 9 lines per page.
  • Written and illuminated by Albert E. Barlow, A.R.C.A., for Sangorski & Sutcliffe and bound by them at 1-5 Poland St. in the City of Westminster.
  • In blue, red, and black ink with initials in gold.
  • Several blank leaves.
  • Front cover features a peacock; back cover bears a stylized grape and floral design; red silk lining; edges in gold; cord clasps; string page marker; title on spine.
  • In case of dark red leather with title on spine and dark green velvet lining: 9.1x7x2.3cm.
  • Book plates of E[W?] and Ruth Adomeit

Undated -   33: Story of Ramayama [sic], Bali. 12 bamboo pieces.

10 13/16 long x 1 4/16 wide and 11/16 inches in depth.

  • Ten pictorial strips plus two rounded end pieces.
  • Hand drawings in ink on one side of each strip only, with a block of text in the Roman alphabet, ca. 2 ½ x ½ inches, cursive style, not translated, on each strip.
  • Cord tie, with two tiny [bamboo?] pegs, through the center, holding all together.
  • Dealer identification note: Story of Ramayama, Bali. This may in fact be: Ramayana. See Enc. Brit 19:963b

[1390] -   34: Medieval fragment, unidentified. Latin. Vellum.

10.4 x 7 cm. 1 leaf.

  • 21 lines per page.
  • Text includes: Gloria patri.
  • Initials in blue on red and in gold.
  • Verso has flourishes of green leaves on gold standard. Has two spoiled spots.
  • In pencil: 1390, Fr[ench] Brev[iary].
  • May be part of no. 35

[1390?] -   35: Medieval fragment, unidentified. Latin.

10.4 x 7 cm. 1 leaf.

  • 21 lines per page.
  • Leaf marked in pencil: 118.
  • Text includes the cry of David for his son Absalom as in II Samuel 18:33.
  • Some lines in red; one initial in gold.
  • Date based on its relationship to No. 34.
  • May be part of no. 34

14th century -   36: Medieval fragment, unidentified. Latin. Vellum.

8.8 x 6.5 cm. 1 leaf.

  • 14 lines per page.
  • Text includes: Libera me domine…
  • Response directives in red.
  • Appears unfinished – space left for an illuminated initial.
  • In pencil: 14 cent.? D.W.

[1400] -   37: Medieval fragment, unidentified. Latin. Vellum.

10.8 x 8.3 cm. 1 leaf.

  • 15 lines per page.
  • Text includes: Capitalum…
  • With initials in red and blue and in gold – with flourishes.
  • In pencil: 1400, Fr.

[1440] -   38: Catholic Church. Liturgy and ritual. Hours. Vellum.

10.6 x 7 x 7 cm. 1 leaf.

  • 15 lines per page.
  • Text begins – et peccora sne benedicite…hominum domine; Ends – Laudate eum celi celorum et a que super celos sunt; And includes – Benedicite es domine in firmanento…
  • Illuminated initial in gold, blue and red with gold leaves and flourishes.
  • Accompanied by notes in pencil: France 1440 A.D. Bk of Hours From [Otto] Ege Collection.
  • May be part of no. 39

[1440] -   39: Catholic Church. Liturgy and ritual. Hours. Vellum.

10.6 x 7 x 7 cm. 1 leaf.

  • 15 lines per page. Text includes: Omnes sancti patriarche et prophete…oremus…
  • Initials in blue and gold within fancy red and blue ink designs.
  • From board accompanying the leaf: France 1440 Book of Hours from Otto Ege.
  • May be part of no. 38

[1450] -   40: Catholic Church. Liturgy and ritual. Hours. Vellum.

16.2 x 11 cm. 1 leaf.

  • 12 lines per page. Text includes: Gloria dn̈ ﬩ filio ﬩ spiritu sanc.
  • One initial in gold with blue center; others in red and in blue.
  • Accompanied by note which reads: English 1450 A.D. Bk of Hours

[c. 1450] -   41: Catholic Church. Liturgy and ritual. Hours. Vellum.

18.6 x 13.4 cm. 1 leaf.

  • 14-16 lines per page.
  • Single leaf containing the calendar for February.
  • One large gold initial and four smaller gold initials with thistle.
  • Marginal note concerning a death on 9 October 1652; other faded marginal notes.
  • Accompanied by board which reads: c. 1450 Book of Hours France Benedictine

[1490] -   42: Catholic Church. Liturgy and ritual. Hours. Vellum.

6.8 x 9.5 cm. 1 leaf.

  • 18 lines per page. Text includes: ob hoc beatu supplici te…
  • Initials in red and in blue.
  • Brief marginal note.
  • Accompanied by board which reads: Book of Hours (use of Sarum) Flemish 1490 Gothic formata hand (given size in error)

[15th century] -   43: Bible. Old Testament. Exodus? Vellum.

9 x 6.5 cm. 1 leaf.

  • 24 lines per page.
  • Text includes reference to Aaron and to Egypt – perhaps from the Book of Exodus?
  • One gold initial with flourishes; other initials in red and in blue.
  • Accompanied by board which cites the piece as: c. middle 15th century.
  • May be part of no. 44

[15th century] -   44: Bible. Old Testament. Psalms. Vellum.

9 x 6.5 cm. 1 leaf.

  • 24 lines per page.
  • Portions of Psalms [75] and 76.
  • Decorative device in red; initials in red and in blue.
  • Penciled note: 15th cent.
  • May be part of no. 43

[1500] -   45: Catholic Church. Liturgy and ritual. Hours. Vellum.

12 x 8.5 cm. 1 leaf.

  • 20 lines per page (conclusion: 10 lines).
  • Text concludes: Benedicamus domino Deo gratias.
  • Two gold initials, one with red center on blue, the other with blue center on red.
  • Accompanied by board which reads: Italy ca. 1500 Bk of Hours

[1500] -   46: Catholic Church. Liturgy and ritual. Hours. Vellum.

10.8 x 7.8 cm. 1 leaf.

  • 13 lines per page.
  • Text includes: Nõ timebo.
  • One initial in gold; others in red and blue.
  • From board accompanying the leaf: Italy 1500 Book of Hours from Otto Ege.
  • May be part of no. 47

[1500] -   47: Catholic Church. Liturgy and ritual. Hours. Vellum.

10.8 x 7.8 cm. 1 leaf.

  • 13 lines per page.
  • Portion of the Canticum: Benedictus Dominus Deus Israel…
  • Initial B in blue and red; others in blue or red.
  • Penciled note: Italy 1500.
  • May be part of no. 46 – also from Otto Ege?

[1500] -   48: Medieval fragment, unidentified. Latin. Vellum.

11.8 x 7.7 cm. 1 leaf.

  • 12 lines per page. Text begins: …propter misercordiam tua.
  • Initials in blue and in gold.
  • In pencil: France 1500

[1750] -   49: Koran. Paper.

16.2 x 10.6 cm. 1 leaf.

  • 11 lines per page.
  • Leaf numbered: 14.
  • Text in gold frame with gold circlets for each word.
  • Marginal notes.
  • Accompanied by board which reads: Koran Persian 1750 A.D.

[19th century] -   50: Pues concebida/ fuiste sin mancha/ ave Maria/ llena de gracia [first words]. Paper.

10.7 x 8 cm. 28 p.

  • 12 lines per page.
  • In ink on plain and lined paper; remnants of sewing thread.
  • Devotional quatrains. I. As above, pages 1-8. II. Alabanzas a/ Maria S[antisi]ma de S[an] Juan, pages 9-13; pages 15-18, lined paper; page 17, date of March 13, 1859; page 18, name of Moreno Juan. III. Has que en nuestra vida/ La dicha logremos/ De estarte alabando/ En todo momento, pages 19-20; page 21, date of December 27, 1859 (and under it the date of March 15,1859). IV. Ya nació la niña,/ Ya vino el consuelo/ Ya nació la Madre/ Del divino verbo, pages 21-24. V. Dios te salve M[adre] hermosa/ d[e] la Lus sacra y inmesa [sic]/ haurora del mejor sol/ lucida y divina estrella, pages 25-27; page 28, blank.
  • Devotional exercises.
  • Manuscripts, Spanish

[19th century] -   51: Venid mortales/ Y en Guadalupe/ Hallareis madre/ Benigna y dulce [first words]. Paper.

10.7 x 8 cm. 22 p.

  • 12 lines per page.
  • In ink on water-marked paper; remnants of sewing thread.
  • Devotional quatrinas. I. As above, pages 1-4. II. Salve de gracia port[ento]/ Guadalupana Maria/ Del indiano madre pia/ y p[ar]a el Dragon tormento, pages 5-8; reference to “el pueblo todo Mexicano” on page 8. III. Bendita seas ó Maria/ de Guadalupe agraciada/ porq[u]e hoy dose es selebrada/ tu aparicion todo el dia, pages 9-12. IV. Alavanzas al niño de atocha, pages 13-16; ends with “Laus Deo”. V. De Dios escojido/ fuiste Juan Bautista/ para precursor/ de la gracia misma, pages 17-22.
  • Concludes on page 22 with “Laus Deo” and another quatrain.
  • Date based on comparison with Adomeit ms. 50.
  • Devotional exercises.
  • Manuscripts, Spanish

1972 -   52: Acrostic, illuminated, of Ruth E. Adomeit, by E.H.S. [E. Helene Sherman?] Paper.

11.8 x 6.8 cm. 1 leaf.

  • Reads as follows: Ruth Undertakes To Hoard Exquisite And Desirable Old Miniatures Especially Inimitable Treasures.
  • Illuminated in gold and colors featuring an owl, a bluebird, and a rabbit among floral designs.

Undated -   53: Bible. Old Testament. II Kings. Vellum.

14.7 x 11.2 cm. 1 leaf.

  • 45 lines per page.
  • Text concerns Absalom, the son of David, and given as portions of Chapters [XVI] and XVII, but more closely resembles that of II Samuel (Vulgate Edition), Chapters 18 and 19: “Absalom, fili mi, fili mi Absalom”.
  • In pencil: 113.
  • Three marginal corrections.
  • Decorative device and chapter numeral in red: Chapter heading and initial in red and blue.

Undated -   54: Bible. Old Testament. Psalms. Vellum.

18.7 x 13.5 cm. 1 leaf.

  • 22 lines per page.
  • Portions of Psalms 31 and 32.
  • Gold initial with encircling red lines on a blue square. Other initials in gold and blue on red or blue ink designs.

Undated -   55: Devanagari (alphabet) language fragment, unidentified. Vellum.

14 x 11 cm. 1 leaf.

  • 10 lines per page.
  • Text in black with vertical red divider lines, framed by floral design on gold; outside frame of gold, red and black.
  • Marginal note.
  • Language designation from Ostermann, Manual of Foreign Languages (Fourth Edition), pp. 50-52 (Lilly P331 .U58 1952).

Undated -   56: Medieval fragment, unidentified. Germanic? Vellum.

12 x 9 cm. 1 leaf.

  • 16 lines per page.
  • With initials in red and in blue.

Undated -   57: Medieval fragment, unidentified. Latin. Vellum.

9.5 x 7.5 cm. 1 leaf.

  • 10 lines per page.
  • Text includes: Requiem.
  • Initials in red and blue and in gold.
  • Delicate floral design in blue ink on verso.

Undated -   58: Medieval fragment, unidentified. Latin. Vellum.

10.5 x 6.7 cm. 1 leaf.

  • 13 lines per page. Text includes: ecce labia mea…
  • Initials in gold on red and blue; line completions in blue, gold and red.
  • In pencil: L11

Undated -   59: Medieval fragment, unidentified. Latin. Vellum.

9.2 x 6.3 cm. 1 leaf.

  • 14 lines per page. Text includes: Benedictus [es] Dominus Deus Israel…
  • Initials in gold and in blue and red with flourishes.

Undated -   60: Medieval fragment, unidentified. Latin. Vellum.

12.2 x 9.5 cm. 1 leaf.

  • 14 lines per page.
  • Leaf numbered in pencil: 69.
  • Text mentions the blessed Apostle John – from Book of Hours?
  • Three gold initials; others in blue on red lines - all with flourishes.
  • Accompanied by board which reads: Bot from [Otto] Ege

Undated -   61: Medieval fragment, unidentified. Latin. Vellum.

19 x 12.7 cm. 1 leaf.

  • 16 lines per page. Text includes: “Benedictus dominus dues…” and …ad Abraham patrem nostrum…”
  • One gold initial with floral center and eight other gold initials.
  • One side bears the decorative gold and colored floral-leaf designs typical of French work.

Undated -   62: Medieval fragment, unidentified. Latin. Vellum.

11.2 x 6.5 cm. 1 leaf.

  • 21 lines per page. Text begins – Hic erit magnus & filius altissimi vocabitur… and concludes – Missus est gabriel ad Mariam virginem de…
  • Recites that portion which relates the annunciation – Ecce ancilla domini… Pages 151 and 152.
  • Text outlined in gold and red; two initials in gold on black

Undated -   63: Medieval fragment, unidentified. Latin. Vellum.

6.7 x 4.6 cm. 1 leaf.

  • 11-12 lines per page.
  • Commentary on John the Baptist.
  • Blue initial S.
  • Sewing holes visible.

Undated -   64: Persian fragments, unidentified. Paper.

23 x 14.7 cm. Two leaves.

  • Leaf [A]: 13 lines of text on verso in black with red interpolations, outlined in black ink; recto with illustration in color (12.2x6.6cm. in size) of three people under a tent with dark blue sky, stars, and quarter moon above – two bare-chested women with duffle bags offering tidbits to a man in a turban.
  • Leaf [B]: 20 lines of text on the verso, no outline: recto with illustration in color (12.2x6.6cm. in size) of three people under a tree – kneeling woman presents an offering to a bearded man wrapped in his robe and a bare-chested bearded man seated nearby.
  • Both leaves with other text written at angles. Both leaves water stained.
  • Accompanied by a strip of paper which reads: Two good Persian mini manuscript leaves.

Undated -   65: Tintypes of unidentified women.

Three pieces.

  • Costume appears to belong to the mid or later 1800’s.
  • A. Two young women who appear to be sisters, standing by a pedestal in studio. 9.2x6.2cm., corners cut off. B. One young woman standing by a chair. 8.7x6.2cm. C. Older woman wearing a headdress, holding a book seated in a chair. 8.7x6.2cm.
  • Accompanied by envelope which reads: tintypes for Clarke

Series: Series A

ca. 1800 -   A1: Koran.

5.7 x 4 x 2.3 cm.

  • Brown leather envelope binding.
  • Two opening pages illuminated in gold and blue, eroded.
  • Book-plate of Ruth E. Adomeit

1813 -   A2: Kleines gebeth Büchl.

4.2 x 2.5 x 9 cm.

  • Two full page views of the crucifixion frontispiece (one loose) and half-page view of a chapel as end piece.
  • 18th century printed figure of a man in a blue coat pasted inside the back cover

2 January-8 November 1875 -   A3: Autograph book of Addie S…

7.1 x 11.8 x 1 cm.

  • Dark board binding with gold markings and “Autographs” on the cover.
  • Several blank pages.
  • Place names in New Jersey: Clinton, Matawan, and Morristown

1925 -   A4: Autograph book of Elizabeth Soliday. A gift from Mr. Pitman. Copy of book in Queen’s Doll House.

3.8 x 3.5 x 1.3 cm.

  • Dark red binding with ribbed spine.
  • Many blank pages.
  • Bookplates of E. [S?] and Ruth Adomeit

October 1959 -   A5: Wilson, Violet. The Sacrament of Love by John Oxenham.

14.8 x 12.8 x 9 cm.

  • Executed and illuminated in gold and floral colors by Violet Wilson.
  • Completed in Wimbledon, Surrey.
  • Printed board cover with spine and corners in blue linen.
  • Presently housed in a cardboard box

3 December 1962 -   A6: Harodish-Garman, Alice. Accordion style paper strip with hand painted crocodile and flowers with message: Thanking Miss Ruth Adomeit for many lovely crocodiles! Amsterdam.

.8 x 19 cm.

  • Verso blank.
  • Strings attached to each end.
  • Placed in a small silver-colored casket.
  • Presently housed in an old white ring box

15 March 1963 -   A7: Phillips, Linda. Sandy’s Party.

4.5 x 4 x 1.1 cm.

  • Hand-colored drawings alternate with pages of text.
  • About half of the drawings remain un-colored.
  • In pencil.
  • Biographical sketch at the end gives the author’s birthday as September 29, 1953.
  • The book is written with the help of her teacher Miss Adomeit at Hilltop School.
  • Bound in light board, mingled paper, and red spine and corners

1965 -   A8: Sherman, E. Helene, and Robert E. Massmann. Pearls of Wisdom.

6.4 x 4.6 x 5 cm.

  • Quotation by famous people such as John Masefield and James R. Lowell.
  • Hand lettered and illuminated by E. Helene Sherman and hand bound by Robert E. Massmann.
  • Bound in white vellum with red tie on the spine.
  • Bookplate of Ruth Adomeit.
  • Similar to but not identified with B7

1965 -   A9: Sherman, E. Helene, and Robert E. Massmann. Pearls of Wisdom.

7.3 x 5.6 x 5 cm.

  • Quotation by famous people.
  • Hand lettered and illuminated by E. Helene Sherman and hand bound by Robert E. Massmann.
  • Bound in white vellum with blue ribbon tie on spine.
  • No bookplate

1974 -   A10: Mitchell, Shannon. Festum Natuutatis Christi, with index. Hymns and prayers for devotions.

4.5 x 4 x 1.2 cm.

  • Illuminated in red, blue and silver.
  • Has ribbon page marker.
  • Bound in red with gold tooling.
  • IHS on cover.
  • Metal clasp.
  • Bookplate of Ruth Adomeit

4 March 1983 -   A11: Morgan. A little book, To Miss Adomeit.

4.9 x 5.7 x 1 cm.

  • Mixture of small paste-on advertisements, text, and hand-colored drawings.
  • A child’s work.
  • Bookplate of Ruth Adomeit

6-9 September 1983 -   A12: Autograph Album; The 1983 Grand Conclave. Robert W. Massmann for dear Ruth.

3.1 x 3.2 x 1.1 cm.

  • Signatures of fellow miniature enthusiasts.
  • Bound in mingled paper with red spine and corners.
  • Bookplate of Ruth Adomeit

1983 -   A13: A book, A girl book.

6.1 x 4.7 x 1 cm.

  • Series of hand-colored drawings, chiefly in green.
  • A child’s work.
  • Bookplate of Ruth Adomeit

1983 -   A14: Mitchel, Shannon. An abridged version of the Booke of Common Praier Noted (1550) by John Merbecke.

6.7 x 5.4 x 1.8 cm.

  • Initials illuminated in intricate pen drawings.
  • Has red ribbon marker.
  • Bound in black leather with cross on the front, metal clasp.
  • Bookplate of Ruth Adomeit.
  • Signed by Shannon Mitchell.
  • Duplicate of A30 except for date (1985) and signature

1983 -   A15: Autographs of Miniature Book Publishers by Tomazunchale Press, Newton, 1983.

5.7 x 7.5 x 1.7 cm.

  • 250 copies.
  • Arranged in alphabetical order by name of press, print style, with name of individuals in script style.
  • Heavy plastic covers tied with blue ribbon.
  • Bookplate of Ruth Adomeit.
  • Housed in black slipcase with blue cloth lining.
  • On cover: Autographs.
  • On spine: Miniature Book Publishers. Autographs. 1983.

1984-1987 -   A16: Autographs by Barbara J. Raheb.

2.6 x 3.2 x 1 cm.

  • Binding in red with Autographs on cover in black.
  • C.1984; one autograph dated September 5, 1987

1985-[1986] -   A17: Moore, Suzanne. A transplanted New England Gardner’s alphabetical delirium. Words from the garden for each letter of the alphabet.

5.8 x 4.7 x 8 cm.

  • Book F (of 26 copies).
  • Accordion style pages.
  • Bound in fuschia, orange and yellow cloth.
  • In brown paper wrapper – green ribbon

1988 -   A18: Murray, Gordon. Gallery One. Watercolor miniatures by Gordon Murray of details from master paintings, with index.

5.3 x 5.5 x 1.1 cm.

  • Nine paintings.
  • Signed, No. 3/4.
  • Dark blue cover in cellophane wrapper within a brown

1988 -   A19: Murray, Gordon. Royal Collector. Watercolor miniatures by Gordon Murray of pictures collected by King Charles I.

7.7 x 7.7 x 1.2 cm.

  • Ten paintings.
  • Signed, No. 1/1.
  • Rose cover in cellophane wrapper, within a brown slipcase.
  • Bookplate of Ruth Adomeit

1989 -   A20: Autographs – Conclave ’89.

3.5 x 4.7 x 2 cm.

  • Yellow, green, orange cover with Autographs on cover.
  • Bookplate of Ruth Adomeit

1990 -   A21: MBS Miniature Book Society Autographs.

4.5 x 6.7 x 8 cm.

  • Internal dates of 9/3 and 9/22.
  • Inside back cover in pencil “dummy for snake book.”
  • Bound in blue, gray, white marbelized paper with snakeskin spine.
  • Bookplate of Ruth Adomeit

1992 -   A22: Conclave Ten Autographs.

6.6 x 5 x 1.1 cm.

  • MBS stamped on each page.
  • Inside back cover: Book – a gift from Mike Genoso

1993 -   A23: Mitchell, Shannon. Noe et Arca Noah and the Ark.

6.7 x 5.6 x 1.3 cm.

  • Latin text with illuminated initials and four full page illustrations.
  • Bound in black leather with gold tooling and metal clasp.
  • Ribbon page marker.
  • Bookplate of Ruth Adomeit

16 December 1816 -   A24: Betsey Babcock’s Arithmetic Book. Windham.

32 p. 19.6 cm.

  • Computations in sterling money, compound, addition, subtraction, reduction, the rule of three.
  • In ink with paper covers.
  • Laid in back a large size sheet folded in four of handwritings exercises.
  • Accompanied by note on a yellow card about purchase in 1945.
  • Bookplate of Ruth Adomeit

March-24 July 1821 -   A25: Juvenile Thoughts.

21 p. 19.2 cm.

  • Text in ink.
  • Drawings in pencil of houses and country scenes: Aunt’s Farm; Benney’s Farm.
  • Orange paper cover with out of cow’s head on front

12 February 1828 -   A26: Mary Ann Lippincott, Arithmetic Book.

32 p. 19.9 cm.

  • In ink.
  • Laid in back: William C. Wilson, Daybook, March 8, 1840, by Charlotte Lippincott, 2pp., 19.9cm. In ink.
  • Activities include spreading lime, trimming apple trees.
  • Paper covers, featuring on the front “The Cow” and on the back “The Selling of Joseph to the Ishmaelites”; sold by Bennet & Walton, Philadelphia, and Printed by M. Day, New York.
  • Accompanied by yellow card regarding purchase in 1977.
  • Bookplate of Ruth Adomeit

28 April 1855-14 June 1856 -   A27: Cowing, Mary. School Journal.

87 p. 19.2 cm.

  • In ink.
  • Hard cover.
  • Mary’s name appears in the anecdote on pages 56 and 57.
  • Entries for April 3-6, 1856, are repeated on pages 81 and 87.
  • Missing pages 83-4-5.
  • Mary passes her teacher’s exam on March 24, 1856, and begins to teach at Point School, Provincetown, Massachusetts?, on April 28th.
  • Laid in back is the continuation of the journal: her “new journal” for her teaching experience, April 28-June 14th, for which she is paid 45 dollars, all of which goes for board and “costing”.
  • Also laid in back are two small pieces of blue paper, one with a quote in pencil from J. W. Nickerson, “Life is a tempestuous sea…”; the other bearing in ink the names of Freeman N. Blake and Chas. A. Norton

1856 -   A28: Alexander, Harriet. Sketch book.

17 p. 3.9 x 5.3 x 1 cm.

  • Many blank pages, not counted.
  • Sketches in pencil of scenery, castles, two people in the water, a dog’s head signed HENN, A.D., and a few scribbles.
  • Has ivory writing instrument in holder.
  • Lining paper in blue and gold, gold edges.
  • Bound in red leather with gold trim and gold colored clasp.
  • Bookplate of Ruth Adomeit

1869-1878 -   A29: Autograph book of Miss Minnie Corr.

51 leaves. 4.7 x 7.2 x 1 cm.

  • Presented by Marcella D. Halliday on December 25, 1869.
  • Autograph of friends chiefly from the Boston, Massachusetts region.
  • Some pages with floral designs.
  • Bound in red leather with the word Autographs on the cover, gold edged pages.
  • Bookplate of Ruth Adomeit

1872 -   A30: Autograph booklet in a shell.

15 leaves. 3 x 9 cm.

  • Entries in pencil from towns in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
  • One dated entry: Walter Trafton, September 28, 1872, Taunton, Massachusetts.
  • Brown and white shell covers, tied with a white ribbon

1876-1880 -   A31: Autograph book.

31 leaves. 3.8 x 5.8 x 1 cm.

  • Several leaves cut out.
  • Includes autographs of the Small and Colson families in Milbridge, Maine: e.g., “Forget not your mother-in-law, C.B. Colson, Milbridge, Me., November 28, 1879”.
  • Covers of polished sand-colored wood with a spray of green leaves, gold edged pages, leather spine and metal latch.
  • Book plate of Ruth Adomeit

26 January 1879 -   A32: Johnson, J. E., Boston, Massachusetts. A Commonplace Book.

10 leaves. 2.8 x 2.5 x 2 cm.

  • In ink.
  • First and last leaves of tissue.
  • First leaf has an ink sketch of a city.
  • Text includes a biographical account of Shakespeare, connundrums, and a list of firsts such as: Swartz invented gunpowder 1340.
  • Bound in dark blue cloth with a faded oval on the front

1880-1886 -   A33: Autograph album of Josephine C. Schambs.

37 p. 12 x 18 cm.

  • Decorative hard cover in brown, gold and silver colors.
  • Autographs from friends chiefly in the Cleveland, Ohio, area – others from Pennsylvania, Michigan, and New York.
  • Names include John S. Glenn of Cleveland, Ohio, 1882-3; Judson S. Smith, Ph.G. (pharmacy graduate), Tyrone, Pa., n.d.; and Josephine’s brother George Schambs, 1880

December 1881 -   A34: The Indian’s Claim – Robinson?, Dublin?

6 leaves. 2.2 x 1.8 x 1 cm.

  • Two drawings in ink: one of two Indians aiming at a deer; one of an Indian named Black Hawk.
  • Title in cursive hand in ink; text in a printed hand.
  • Bound in purple cloth with a rectangular white and gray paste on of a flower.
  • Robinson may be Alexander Robinson, 1789- , Potawatomi chief (Hodge II:393; IMH 32:19)

1882 -   A35: Theory of Polarization. Dublin.

8 leaves. 1.7 x 1.3 x 1 cm.

  • In ink.
  • Includes sketch of bust of an unidentified man, and Figures 1 and 2.
  • Has a small laid in red page marker.
  • Bound in marbleized paper

March 1882 -   A36: Elddington, Manuel of Chemistry…by Lee Roe & Co., Capetown, Africa.

6 leaves. 1.5 x 1.5 x 1 cm.

  • Dedicated to benefactor Narva? of Orlando.
  • In ink in cursive style.
  • Covers of brown varnished cloth; paper spine.
  • This may be by Pandy Ellis: see also B3, Encyclopaedia of Prominent Men, and B10, Tammerlane

1957 -   A37: The Prophecy of Abdias. By Thomas Nagy.

2.5 x 2.1 x 7 cm.

  • In black ink, printed style.
  • Marbleized end papers.
  • Bound in leather, metal corners.
  • Two corners missing and broken metal latch.
  • Repaired with a common pin

1963 -   A38: Marchans.

26 leaves. 10.6 x 7.7 x 3 cm.

  • A booklet of juvenile drawings of stick creatures, buildings, birds, snowmen, and scribbles.
  • Leaf 19 in the margin has the date in an adult hand: 5.2.63.
  • Dark green paper covers.
  • Held together by white string

16 April 1968 -   A39: Incorporation paper of Ruth E. Adomeit, Peter Putter and Robert E. Massmann, Windsor, Vermont. Scroll.

17.5 x 1.5 cm.

  • In ink on paper.
  • Incorporated as Adoputmass, Triumvirate Tomes, Inc. to publish a newsletter.
  • Housed in a plastic vial – in a clear and white plastic case

27 March 1973? -   A40: Booklet of designs.

10 leaves. 6.2 x 7.5 x 1 cm.

  • In black ink with yellow geometric designs on a fibrous cloth or paper-like material.
  • Appears to be a companion piece to A41.
  • Bookplate of Ruth Adomeit.
  • No text

April 1973 -   A41: Booklet of designs.

8 leaves. 6.5 x 7 x 1.5 cm.

  • In black ink with yellow geometric designs: includes building, two human figures, two animals, one snake.
  • No text.
  • Drawn on a fibrous cloth or paper-like material.
  • Appears to be a companion piece to A40

1975 -   A42: Merenoff, Judy S. Photograph album.

18 leaves. 2.4 x 2.7 x 1.1 cm.

  • Contains photos of 7 men and 11 women.
  • Half of the ovals for photos blank.
  • Bound in mauve velvet with copper metal oval on the front which says: Album.
  • Bookplate of Ruth Adomeit

1976 -   A43: Marcus, Roger. The Illuminated Versal. Volume 1. Santa Barbara.

3 leaves. 5.5 x 4.2 x 3 cm.

  • Three leaves with wording; others blank.
  • Contents: title page; an Aster for A in blue, green and gold; the wording in a circle around the initials RM…; this is volume 1 of one copy hand lettered and illuminated with 24 carat gold.
  • Bound in brown leather with marbleized end papers.
  • Housed in a clear plastic container

1976 -   A44: Wickham, Joan Adams. Lady-bugs, an origini original.

10 p. 4.2 x 4.4 x 1.1 cm.

  • Limited edition, each copy penned by hand.
  • St. Augustine, Florida, Lytel Press.
  • With envelope inscribed: To Polly from Peter, 26 October 1976

1977 -   A45: Bukowski, Charles (1920-1994, poet). Art, Black Sparrow Press, Santa Barbara.

12 p. 6.9 x 2 x 8 cm.

  • Wording appears on 12 pages, the rest blank.
  • Signed by Bukowski on the last page.
  • Text reads: As the spirit wanes the form appears.
  • This is No. 27 or 50 copies hand-lettered by Roger Marcus (see also A20).
  • Bound in green cloth with black, gray and white end papers.
  • Housed in lavender box

1977 -   A46: To Ruth, Merry Christmas, from Helen.

17 leaves. 2 x 1.3 x 3 cm.

  • Words and drawings on 17 leaves; the rest blank.
  • Has drawings of designs reminiscent of Christmas.
  • Bound in red leatherette

January 1978 -   A47: Lear, Edward (1812-1888, poet). The Jumblies.

9 leaves. 3.2 x 3.3 x 4 cm.

  • Wording on 9 leaves; the rest blank.
  • Calligraphy and binding by Kathy Chiang.
  • Gift from Jim Delancy.
  • Binding and endpapers in brown-toned marbelized paper with brown leatherette spine.
  • Bookplate of Ruth Adomeit

1980 -   A48: Edwards, Nancy Chandler. An Alphabet Book.

25 p. 3.2 x 2.5 x 7 cm.

  • Drawings for each letter except that U-V and X-Y-Z are combined.
  • Of 40 this is Number 1, published by Anne & David Bromer, Green Dragon Bindery.
  • Has red, yellow & blue page marker with crocheted ends.
  • Bound in blue leatherette, blue-toned end papers.
  • Bookplate of Ruth Adomeit

1980 -   A49: The Unicorn and His Ways.

63 p. 2.5 x 2.1 x 8 cm.

  • Has 8 full page drawings.
  • Published in a limited edition of 300 copies of which this is No. 53.
  • Bound in tan leather with red edged pages, corners in metal with a chain latch.
  • Bookplate of Ruth Adomeit

1982 -   A50: Dance Words.

13 p. 6.6 x 6.5 x 3 cm.

  • Hand lettered and illustrated by Bonnie Buris.
  • Hand-bound by Bob Buris at the Wind & Harlot Press, Shaker Heights, Ohio.
  • No. 3 of 100 copies.
  • Bound in gray board with dark green spine.
  • Bookplate of Ruth Adomeit

1982 -   A51: Twelve of Hearts, by Anne & David Bromer, Boston.

40 leaves. 6.7 x 5.6 x 9 cm.

  • A different heart design for each of the twelve hearts.
  • Conceived and designed by Robert Gould and signed in pencil by Robert Gould.
  • Calligraphy by Colleen.
  • No. 9 of 36 copies.
  • Bound in white board with RG & C on the cover.
  • Twelve of Hearts on the spine, and moiré style red end papers.
  • Bookplate of Ruth Adomeit

1984 -   A52: A Garden Companion by Melissa Sweet.

38 leaves. 6.8 x 4.7 x 1.1 cm.

  • A drawing for each letter of the alphabet.
  • By Anne and David Bromer, Boston.
  • Bound by Arno Werner.
  • No. 9 of an edition of 30.
  • Bound in red leather, the alphabet in gold on the cover, gold-edged leaves, and title imprinted on the spine.
  • Bookplate of Ruth Adomeit.
  • Housed in a cloth-covered box with red spine

1953 -   A53: Mitchell, Shannon. An Abridged Version of the Book of Common Prairer Noted (1550) by John Merbecke.

6.7 x 5.4 x 4 cm.

  • Initials illuminated in intricate pen drawings.
  • Has red ribbon marker.
  • Bound in black leather with cross on the front, metal clasp.
  • Duplicate of A14 except for date (1983), no bookplate, and not signed by Shannon Mitchell

1985 -   A54: Officium paruum beate Maria (or Mane) Virginis, by Shannon Mitchell.

42 leaves. 6.7 x 5.3 x 1.2 cm.

  • In red, blue, gold and black.
  • 57 small historiated initials.
  • Bound in red leather with gold cross and lines on cover; spine decorated in gold.
  • Metal latch.
  • Bookplate of Ruth Adomeit

28 April 1987 -   A55: The fly, a poem by Ann Grimes in 1960. Illustrated by Ann Beem.

40 leaves. 5.9 x 4.5 x 4 cm.

  • Text: As I went walking down the street…He closed his compound eyes and died.
  • On thin paper in ink and in colored drawings of aqua, taupe, gray, and a faint yellow.
  • Bound in aqua and taupe wrinkled paper with title on cover.
  • With slipcase of aqua wrinkled paper and title on spine.
  • Bookplate of Ruth Adomeit

1988 -   A56: Love All God’s Creation…

4 leaves. 5.5 x 5.5 x 8 cm.

  • Octagonal leaves folded accordion-style embossed with S.
  • Print style words in several colors.
  • Cites Dostoevky’s The Brothers Karamazov.
  • In pencil on last leaf: Mvrlin von Gedhn? scripsit, 1988.
  • Board cover in pastel shades.
  • Housed in a silver-colored octagonal container.
  • Bookplate of Ruth Adomeit

September 1989 -   A57: An After-the-Conclave Keepsake, by Paige Thornton, Georgia.

10 p. 6 x 5.9 x 1 cm.

  • Addressed to Ruth.
  • Written in ink.
  • No. 1 of 30 copies.
  • Thin pink paper covers with floral design.

19 December 1991 -   A58: A Book of Christmas: Angels, Bells, Caroling choirs…Zeal. Designed et written out by Suzanne Moore. Ashfield, Massachusetts.

16 leaves. 5 x 4.8 x 7 cm.

  • Leaves folded accordion-style, ca. 130cm. when extended.
  • In soft colors.
  • No. A in a series, A through Z.
  • Gilt edges.
  • Bound in dark red patterned cloth, tied with red cord.
  • Housed in a red and silver slipcase with ribbon.
  • Bookplate of Ruth Adomeit

19 December 1991 -   A59: A Christmas A B C. Designed et written out by Suzanne Moore. Ashfield, Massachusetts.

18 leaves. 5 x 4.8 x 1 cm.

  • Leaves folded accordion style, ca. 130cm. when extended.
  • In soft Christmas colors.
  • No. A in a series A through Z.
  • Bound in plum patterned cloth, gilt edges, housed in a green and white striped slipcase with ribbon.
  • Bookplate of Ruth Adomeit

1994 -   A60: Biblia Pauperum excerpts. Hand scribed by Sharon Mitchell.

46 leaves. 7.3 x 5.5 x 1.2 cm.

  • With sixteen woodcuts and printed page borders.
  • Green and yellow ribbon page marker.
  • Bound in brown leather with title in gold and gold lines on the cover.
  • Metal latch

1995 -   A61: Michael Conoso.

36 p. 5.8 x 8.5 x 1.2 cm.

  • Has autographs of attendees at the Pasadena Conclave of the Miniature Books Society.
  • Pale plywood covers, trimmed in black cloth; title and two rosebuds in red on cover.
  • Bookplate of Ruth Adomeit as well as her name on flyleaf

13 July 1995 -   A62: This is my father’s world…. Gift from Myrlin von Glahm.

1 p. 6.1 x 6.2 cm. (folded)

  • A triangular pleated booklet which extends to 61cm. unfolded.
  • Contains the words of the hymn “This is my father’s world” intertwined with seven pink pansies.
  • Verso blank.
  • Plum leatherette covers – no spine.
  • Housed in a fragile dark blue paper box.
  • Bookplate of Ruth Adomeit

Series: Series B

Undated -   B1: Clay tablet.

2.5 x 2.5 x 1.3 cm.

  • One side appears to have blank lines.
  • Housed in a clear plastic box.

Undated -   B2: A B C Book. Each letter of the alphabet styled from assorted time periods.

6.1 x 5.1 x 8 cm.

  • Green leather binding with ornamentals inlays.
  • Bookplate of Ruth Adomeit.
  • Slipcase of wood with green leather spine

Undated -   B3: Book of Esther. Scroll written in Hebrew.

6 cm. wide and 112 cm. long

  • On parchment, three pieces sewn together.
  • Verso blank.
  • Housed in clear plastic vial

Undated -   B4: Devanagari (alphabet) language book – a. (i.e. Sanskrit, Hindi, Hindustani, Marathi, Guajarati).

3.7 x 3.7 x 1.1 cm.

  • With 18 full page illustrations in color.
  • Octagonal shape.
  • Red and white striped cloth cover.
  • Housed in gray paper box.
  • (See Van Osterman, Manual of Foreigh Languages pp. 50-52 for language reference. Lilly P331 .U58 1952)

Undated -   B5: Devanagari (alphabet) language book – b.

6.3 x 9.3 x 3 cm.

  • (See B4 for language reference).
  • Paper cover, hand sewn spine.

Undated -   B6: Devanagari (alphabet) language book – c.

8 x 7 x 2 cm.

  • (See B4 for language reference).
  • No paintings.
  • Worm holes.
  • Some pages of text bordered in gold.
  • Paper cover.
  • Hand sewn spine

Undated -   B7: Love’s Labor Lost. By ME, A valentine memento.

4.6 x 4.1 x 3 cm.

  • Hand printed text and ink designs.
  • Bound in gray suede with red stitching.
  • Bookplate of Ruth Adomeit.
  • Housed in clear plastic box

Undated -   B8: Music – a. Baumfelder, Frederick. Rondo Mignon pour piano, Op. 69.

4 p. 3.3 x 2.8 cm.

  • 1836-1916 in Baker, p. 174. Lilly ML105 .B16 1984.
  • Blue cover.
  • Filed with No. B9 in clear plastic and cream box

Undated -   B9: Music – b. Ludovici, Gottfried. Perles et Dentelles, Valse pour piano for two or four hands.

6 p. 4.1 x 3.2 cm.

  • 1670-1724, German educator and hymn writer in Hyamson, p. 380. Lilly CT103. H9.
  • Paper cover.
  • Filed with No. B8 in clear plastic and cream box

Undated -   B10: Sherman, E. Helene and Robert E. Massmann. St. Francis Prayer.

7.3 x 6 x 9 cm.

  • Hand written and illuminated by E. Helene Sherman and hand bound by Robert E. Massmann.
  • Bound in red leather in white board slipcase.

Undated -   B11: Sherman. E. Helene and Robert E. Massmann. Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening, by Robert Frost.

7.3 x 5.8 x 3 cm.

  • Hand written and illuminated by E. Helene Sherman and hand bound by Robert E. Massmann.
  • Bound in vellum with green ribbon tie on spine.
  • Bookplate of Ruth Adomeit

Undated -   B12: Spanish? Closely written text on vellum.

3.7 x 2.2 x 9 cm.

  • Leaves tied with string.
  • Book plate of Ruth Adomeit.
  • Housed in black lacquer box with gold edging

Undated -   B13: Wheeler, Mabel. 265 Charles St. Five pages of scribble, the rest blank.

4.4 x 4 x 0.2 cm.

  • Made in Germany.
  • With an A. W. Faber pencil in holder.
  • Bound in tan silk with floral design on cover.
  • Bookplate of Ruth Adomeit.
  • Housed in clear plastic box

Undated -   B14: Date Book.

6 leaves.

  • Each leaf bears the name of Earle in ink, one adding “all the time” and another “all my love”.
  • In silver-colored metal covers with DATE BOOK on the front and with self-latch

Undated -   B15: Emma White. Friends must part…and you and I must bid adieu.

4 p. 7.7 x 5 x 3 cm.

  • In pencil on black cardboard.
  • Text: Friends must part and strangers meet, Ties be broken, that once were sweet, This world must change and all be over, And you and I must bid Adieu.
  • On cover: picture of a boy with hunting rifle, two dogs, a hunting horn, a rabbit and hilt of a sword – all in color

Undated -   B16: Encyclopedia of Prominent Men…who closed their careers during the last 3000? Years, by Pandy Ellis (or Lutie W. Dendshot?).

6 leaves. 2.5 x 1.5 x 2 cm.

  • Arranged by month, January-December.
  • Includes names from Plato to General Lee.
  • Most recent dates in the 1870’s.
  • Concludes with the drawing of the bust of a man.
  • Covers of medium blue cardboard with drawing and wording on the front, dark blue spine.
  • See also A13 and B10 for others by Ellis

Undated -   B17: Patience. By E. Helene Sherman, in 3 vols.

8, 8, and 9 leaves.

  • Vols. A.B.C. have identical wording, but different paintings of flowers.
  • Vols. A and B have 8 leaves; C has 9 leaves.
  • Covers of board with similar but not identical floral and butterfly paintings on the front.
  • Each in a green paper slip.
  • Vol. A has the bookplate of Ruth Adomeit

Undated -   B18: A Scribe named Dee.

7 leaves. 3.9 x 5 x 7 cm.

  • Leaves folded accordion style.
  • A note of thanks for “the chance to see your books”.
  • Stamped with butterflies in black and a scribe in red.
  • In paper holder with maroon ribbon and seal

Undated -   B19: Seaweeds and anemones. By S.W.

7 p. 2.2 x 1.5 x 1 cm.

  • Sketches of shells, seaweed, seahorses and other marine life in ink and color on paper with leather covers.
  • Vol. 1. Purple cover with gold pineapple design. Vol. 2. Rust cover with four gold rounded leaves. Vol. 3. White cover with gold pineapple. Vol. 4. Tan cover with gold flowers. Vol. 5 Black covers with four gold rounded leaves. Vol. 6. Green cover with gold pineapple; “On the shore – Pamela Fowler pinxit”. Loose from chain. Vol. 7. Taupe cover with gold sheaf design.
  • Each booklet attached to a chain on wooden housing with a reading platform protected by a square plastic tube, which slips into a firm canister with black and leather exterior and gold drum like lines: 13.5cm. long and 6.7cm. in diameter

Undated -   B20: Sherman, Helene. Pearls of Wisdom.

7 leaves. 5 x 3.7 x 7 cm.

  • Handwritten and illuminated by E. Helene Sherman; hand bound by Robert E. Massmann.
  • Quotations by famous people.
  • Similar to but not identical with A8 and A9.
  • Bookplate of Ruth Adomeit

Undated -   B21: Sherman, Helene and Robert E. Massmann. A Persian Translation of King David’s 23rd Psalm.

8 leaves. 7.3 x 5.8 x 5 cm.

  • Handwritten and illuminated by Helen Sherman; hand bound by Robert E. Massmann.
  • Tied with pale yellow ribbon.
  • Bookplate of Ruth Adomeit

Undated -   B22: Sketchbook.

15 leaves. 5.3 x 3.5 x 1.5 cm.

  • Sketches in watercolors on heavy paper.
  • 1. Dancing violinist. 2. A medallion bearing a crown. 3. Goose head with hat. 4. Soccer type ball in black, green and white; sighed E.H. 5. Sheaf of feathers. 6. A rosy goblet. 7. A pink bottle. 8. A woman’s bonnet with feather and ties. 9. Unidentified object; signed A.H. 10. Dancing clown. 11. Condiment holder? 12. Black and white bird. 13. Fungi among plants; signed C.S. 14. Dancing frog; signed E.H. 15. Violets.
  • Marbleized end paper.
  • Cover cut from a white hard paper design with metal edges.
  • Bookplate of Ruth Adomeit

Undated -   B23: Tammerlane. His Life and anecdotes, by Pandy Ellis, Capetown, Africa.

7 leaves. 1.9 x 1.8 x 1 cm.

  • Has self-portrait of Ellis.
  • Dedicated to Roland C. G. Vere-Ker, President of Ireland.
  • In ink in both printed and cursive styles.
  • Cover of brown varnished cloth with a blob of silver on the front and a blue spine.
  • See also B3 and A13 for others by Ellis

Undated -   B24: Unidentified manuscript in English.

ca. 30 leaves. 1.1 x 1.3 x 8 cm.

  • Text in ink, cursive style.
  • Largely illegible.
  • Visible words include “gold” and “traitor”.
  • Sewn pages.
  • Red thread page marker.
  • Bound covers with leather spine.
  • Housed in small card board box

Series: Series C

Undated -   C1: Unidentified mss.

5.4 x 4.2 x 1.1 cm.

  • Rectangular in shape.
  • Colored paper layers on cover; leather spine.
  • Pasted inside one cover, a red postage stamp with 10D on one corner.
  • Arabic script, and featuring two bridges.
  • Inside the other cover, the bookplate of Ruth Adomeit.
  • Some pages stained

Undated -   C2: Koran.

6.8 x 6.5 x 2.6 cm.

  • Brown leather envelope style binding with gold tooling on covers and spine.
  • Illuminated circle in a square, gold and colors, Arabic script, with prongs on one side.
  • Text enclosed in red and blue lines.
  • Two loose red leaves.
  • Penciled note: From Moroco 1974

Undated -   C3: Koran.

3.3 x 3.3 x 1.7 cm.

  • In green octagonal holder with metal latch, with sturdy dark red paper cover and gold marking; inside cover with gold paper lining.
  • Gold patterned full page design; text enclosed in gold and lines

Undated -   C4: Koran.

6.1 x 5.1 x 1.6 cm.

  • Octagonal leather cover with oval floral tooling in the center and indentation on the edges.
  • Broad gold borders surround the text on the beginning and ending pages; narrow gold bands and lines enclosed the text.
  • Bookplate of Ruth Adomeit

Undated -   C5: Koran.

4.6 x 4.6 x 1.7 cm.

  • In gold octagonal box; brown leather cover with extensive cross-hatching in gold and gold band at the edges; portion of envelope flap torn off.
  • Opening page in gold and red patterns which surround the text; other pages bordered in gold and filigree design.
  • Inside front and back covers with dark mirrored gold lining paper

Undated -   C6: Koran.

4.1 x 4.1 x 1 cm.

  • Laid on paper cover; gray and white figured paper on green, pendulum in style, and green tie holder on spine.
  • Presently housed in a clear plastic box.
  • Opening page with minute figured design in red and black; text surrounded with identical strokes in red.
  • Bookplate of Ruth Adomeit

Undated -   C7: Koran.

3.8 x 3.8 x 3.1 cm.

  • Octagonal brown leather loose covers with tooled floral designs.
  • No latch, tie, or original holder.
  • Text bordered in gold and lines.
  • Presently housed in silver-colored rectangular box

Undated -   C8: Koran.

Scroll of 1500cm. long and 8cm. wide

  • Wrapped in red leatherette.
  • Beginning portion broken, mended and broken again.
  • Text headed by eroded black circle; text itself edged in gold.
  • Verso A blank

Undated -   C9: Koran.

4 x 4 x 1 cm.

  • In silver metal octagonal box, designed with Arabic script, hinge, latch, and decorative side hooks for cord or chain; brown leather tooled cover.
  • Opening page in blue, gold and red.
  • Text bordered in gold and lines.
  • Bookplate of Ruth Adomeit

Undated -   C10: Koran.

4.4 x 4.4 x 1.5 cm.

  • In brown colored square metal box with gold designs, latch, and decorative hooks for long dark red cord; round hole for punching out the contents; plain brown leather covers.
  • End papers of bold dark green-blue design.
  • Text encircled in gold.
  • Pages have suffered damage from fire, partially mended.
  • Bookplate of Ruth Adomeit

Undated -   C11: Unidentified mss.

6.6 x 7.5 x 2 cm.

  • Loose plain brown leather covers in a polished brown textured pouch with flap; leather strand broken.
  • Text has two geometric patterned pages, one at the beginning and one in the middle.
  • At least two hand styles

Undated -   C12: Koran.

6.4 x 6.4 x 2 cm.

  • Octagonal heavy leather tooled, inside with gold, covers and hinge (made of one piece) in an octagonal blue and silver slipcase; housed in a heavy decorative silver two-piece round case with a six-sided star on the bottom; chain for holding by hand intact.
  • Three small holes in the side of the metal case of undetermined purpose.
  • A dark blue, red and light blue design on end papers.
  • At the end a probable date of 1259 A.H. or 1843 Gregorian

1686 -   C13: Koran.

58 leaves. 8.5 x 5.9 x 8 cm.

  • Ms. In Nashki script, reign of Suleiman Salawed (1686).
  • Owner’s signature dated 1807.
  • Cataloging information from two enclosed slips in pencil.
  • Bound in leather, not wallet style.
  • Bookplate of Ruth Adomeit

Undated -   C14: Koran.

96 leaves. 9.8 x 6.8 x 1 cm.

  • In gold and colors.
  • Three small slips laid in with wording in Arabic and a stamp.
  • Another page marked with a smaller slip of paper.
  • Inside covers in red.
  • Bound in leather, not wallet style

Undated -   C15: Koran.

ca. 450 leaves. 11.2 x 8 x 2 cm.

  • In gold and colors.
  • New end papers.
  • Wallet style with design in gold.
  • Bookplate of Ruth Adomeit.
  • Housed in red velvet sack with gold string pull-tie

Undated -   C16: Koran.

ca. 300 leaves. 15 x 10 x 1.5 cm.

  • In gold and colors on pink paper.
  • Illustrative subjects include Mecca, handprint, palm tree, footprint.
  • Wallet style leather binding

Undated -   C17: Koran.

156 p. 5.9 x 5.5 x 2 cm.

  • Note pasted on the flyleaf suggest the Koran may be from India.
  • Leaves lack the usual gold framing, but marginal references and some interlinings in gold.
  • End papers in silk.
  • Wallet style binding in brown leather.
  • Formerly in the Newberry Library in Chicago as OR MS 213; accompanied by blue paper note with reference to ORMs 213.
  • Housed in brown cloth box.
  • Bookplate of Ruth Adomeit

Undated -   C18: Devanagari language booklet.

92 leaves. 1.4 x 1.6 x 0.8 cm.

  • For language reference see Van Osterman, pages 50-52 (Lilly P331 .U58 1952).
  • Text inscribed in ink in octagonal shapes outlined in red.
  • Board covers in patterned design.
  • Accompanied by slip of paper: Indian BK, octagonal borders.
  • Bookplate of Ruth Adomeit.
  • Housed in clear and black plastic box

1813 -   C19: Chansonette.

66 p. 8.3 x 5.2 x 0.4 cm.

  • Contents include: Le Coureur; Chanson; Couplets; Epitaphe, etc.
  • In ink, cursive style.
  • Endpapers in white with blue and black borders.
  • Cover of gold dotted red with gold and black border; tied with yellow ribbon
  • In green slipcase

1982 -   C20: German language. DAS VATER-UNSER.

17 p. 3 x 2.3 x 0.8 cm.

  • Text of the Lord’s Prayer in German in black ink and in another language in red ink.
  • On the end paper: MCS ’82, 1/10 (one of 10 copies?).
  • Bound in tan leather with raised cross on the front

Undated -   C21: Hebrew language. Tephillin [tefillin] or phylactery, in three parts.

Three strips or scrolls of vellum folded.

  • Text in black in, traditional Exodus 13:1-10, 11-16 and Deuteronomy 6:4-9; 11:13-21.
  • See the Standard Jewish Encyclopedia, Col. 1808 (Lilly DS102.8 .S7 1966).
  • Scroll A: 38.5x3.6cm.; Scroll B: 56x3.6cm.; Scroll C: 18x3.6cm.; Scroll D: missing.
  • Housed in a black leather box with raised design, 4.5x3.8cm. and self lid; tie-ons missing

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