Click any image to enlarge
This is an old German Catholic Prayer/Devotional book with an approval date from the Catholic church of October 28, 1899, and a print date of 1900. The book is still in its original box. It shows some aging and yellowing of pages but is in very good condition with the binding intact and all pages intact. The words are in a fancy type. There is just some slight wear on the cover and obvious aging. There is a cross pressed into the front cover and some artistic pictures, mostly one in the front of the book and smaller on only a few pages. The box also contains some single small papers that were kept with the book. The book belonged to my grandmother and has always been in the family.
Upgrade for PDF reports, more daily appraisals, and ad-free experience.
AI Appraisal: Antique German Catholic Prayer/Devotional Book
🤖 AI-POWERED EXPERT APPRAISAL
Informed by 25+ years of real InstAppraisal history
🏛️ Archive-Informed AI — Powered by InstAppraisal's 25+ years of appraisal expertise
Confidence Level: 85%
Antique German Catholic Prayer/Devotional Book
Physical Description: This antique German Catholic Prayer/Devotional book measures approximately 5" by 3" and is likely made of paper with a leather or faux leather cover. The front cover features a cross imprinted into it, along with artistic illustrations, primarily at the beginning and on select pages. The book is housed in its original box, which also contains small papers that were preserved with it.
Condition Assessment: The book is in very good condition, with the binding intact and all pages present. There is noticeable aging and yellowing of the pages, typical for its age. The cover exhibits slight wear and some scuff marks, but overall, it remains structurally sound.
Historical Context: The book was printed in 1900, with an approval date from the Catholic Church dated October 28, 1899. It was likely produced for the Archdiocese of Cologne, reflecting the religious practices and devotional needs of German Catholics at the turn of the 20th century. Such books were often used for personal prayer and reflection.
Collector Appeal: Collectors value devotional books for their historical significance, artistic design, and connection to religious practices. Items from this period, especially those with familial provenance, are often sought after due to their rarity and sentimental value.
Interesting Facts: The book includes an imprimatur, which is an official declaration by a church authority that a book is free from doctrinal or moral error. This adds to its significance as a religious artifact. The use of ornate typefaces and illustrations in devotional texts was common in this era, reflecting the importance of aesthetics in religious materials.
Comparable Sales:
Search: eBay Sold | LiveAuctioneers | Invaluable | Heritage | 1stDibs | Worthpoint
Search: eBay Sold | LiveAuctioneers | Invaluable | Heritage | 1stDibs | Worthpoint
Search: eBay Sold | LiveAuctioneers | Invaluable | Heritage | 1stDibs | Worthpoint
💰 ESTIMATED VALUE
$75 - $120
📋 Important Note:
This AI-generated appraisal is based on the provided information and 6 submitted photos. For high-value items or final authentication, please consult with a certified human appraiser.
📖 How This Appraisal Was Created
This appraisal was generated using AI analysis informed by InstAppraisal's 25+ years of archived appraisals, market observations, and community expertise.
Learn more about our Archive-Informed AI →
⚡ Want More Appraisals?
Upgrade to get 15-30 appraisals/day, PDF reports, ad-free experience, and priority support.
Have another item to appraise?
Start Another Free Appraisal →Trusted by 40,000+ collectors • 85,000+ appraisals completed