TEXT IN LATIN.

A PARTIAL MEDIEVAL VELLUM MANUSCRIPT LEAF FROM A CHOIR BOOK, RECOVERED FROM A BINDING.

(Germany: 15th century). 165 x 180 mm. (6 1/2 x 7 1/8"). Single column, three extant lines of text with four-line staves, in a gothic script.

Rubrics and staves in red, one large initial in blue, one large calligraphic initial hidden under the vellum folds. Spine with lettering in ink by a later hand; ink "ex libris" on the fold; paper remnants along edges. Recovered after being recycled as a binding cover and, thus, one side rather darkened and soiled (but the other, having served as the inner lining of the cover, much cleaner), a couple of small holes, mild fading and scuffing.

This specimen presents an excellent opportunity to examine how Medieval manuscripts were used in the construction of later bindings. The lettering on the spine indicates that this leaf once housed an "Introduction to Logic" by Matthaeus Weiss, published in 1629. The manuscript leaf itself most likely comes from an Antiphonary or Gradual, containing the sung parts of the Divine Office or Mass. The musical notation is a typical example of German Hufnagel notes, resembling the appearance of square-headed horseshoe nails. (ST19350-062)

Price: $175.00