1887 Parallel Bible

📘 Item: Parallel Holy Bible (1887 Edition)

Publisher: A.J. Holman & Co., Philadelphia
Title Page Description:

“The Parallel Bible, containing the Authorized and Revised Versions of the Old and New Testaments arranged in parallel columns; with complete concordance, marginal references, chronological tables, illustrations, and more.”

📜 Historical Overview:

This Bible is an example of a Victorian-era family Bible, printed during a time when ornate and large Bibles were common centerpieces in Christian homes. The “Parallel” feature — showing both the Authorized (KJV) and Revisedversions side-by-side — was especially valued by theologians and lay readers interested in comparing translations.

The A.J. Holman Company, established in 1872, was a significant American Bible publisher and one of the few to produce Bibles in such elaborate formats. Bibles from Holman during this era were often bound in ornate leather with gilt decorations, deep embossing, and large, colorful presentation pages — just as yours displays.

📏 Physical Characteristics:

• Size: Approx. 13 x 10.5 x 5 inches (a large “pulpit-style” Bible)
• Binding: Embossed leather with gilt decoration and stamped illustrations on the cover and spine
• Pages: Illustrated, with color presentation page and additional family record sections
• Special Features:
  • Gilt-edged pages (likely originally)
  • Parallel columns with both KJV and Revised Version texts
  • Illustrated engravings
  • Family records (blank in your case)
  • Chronological charts and marginal references

📉 Condition Assessment:

• Cover: Heavily worn; front board is detached (visible spine damage)
• Spine: Gold stamping still visible but worn; extensive cracking and material loss
• Pages: Appear mostly intact and in good condition with some signs of aging
• Presentation Pages: Not filled in — uncommon and desirable for some collectors
• Illustrations and Text: Still sharp and legible; coloring intact on decorative title pages

💡 Overall Condition: “Good–Fair” (Structurally compromised but largely intact with strong visual appeal.)

🔍 Authentication:

Your Bible appears to be authentic based on:

• Publisher’s imprint and address on the title page (A.J. Holman, 1222 Arch Street)
• Historical typeface and printing methods consistent with the late 19th century
• Design motifs, common to ornate family Bibles of the 1880s–1890s
• No modern or facsimile printing signs

A professional conservator or rare book dealer could authenticate it further if needed for resale or insurance.

💵 Valuation:

Condition Tier

Market Value Estimate

Excellent (fully intact, minimal wear)

$300–$450

Good (some wear, spine intact)

$150–$250

Fair (detached boards, some damage)

$75–$125

Poor (missing pages, major damage)

$25–$50

➡ Your Bible’s likely value: ~$100 USD, due to the detached cover but otherwise good interior condition and attractive presentation pages.

🛠 Recommendations:

• Preservation: Store flat in a cool, dry place. Avoid excessive handling. Wrap in acid-free paper or archival cloth.
• Repair: Consider consulting a bookbinder for professional rebinding or conservation — especially if you plan to sell or pass it down.
• Appraisal for Insurance or Sale: If you plan to sell, sites like AbeBooks, eBay, or even local antiquarian dealers might be good starting points. Include detailed photos and condition notes.

✅ Summary:

You own a beautiful and historically significant 1887 Victorian Parallel Bible. Though not extremely rare, its richly embossed leather cover, size, and detailed illustrations make it desirable to collectors of religious texts, decorative books, or Victorian Americana. Its current condition slightly limits resale value, but its ornate craftsmanship and completeness still make it a valuable piece of 19th-century publishing history.