This is an original Monogram book. This is by G. Barclay (George Barclay), assisted by several other contemporary engravers and artists. Published in London, explicitly noting the address 8, Green Street, Leicester Square—W.C. This volume serves as an expansive reference work containing a collection of typography, cursive script, and geometric letterforms designed for artisans, calligraphers, and engravers of the era. At the time, this book was marked at the bottom as "Price, Five Shillings." The layout features intricately detailed red heraldic crown monograms and circular seal designs framing the typography. In the bottom-right inner corner, there is a distinct blue oval ink stamp from a French dealer: “Esparon, Graveur Héraldique, Galerie Montmartre, Paris.” This indicates that this specific copy was imported or sold through an antique heraldic engraver based in Paris. The blue ink stamp from Esparon, Graveur Héraldique in Paris adds a fascinating layer of provenance. While library stamps can detract from value, historical stamps from specific specialist heraldic engravers add localized appeal to design historians.
The book features a beautifully preserved, leather-bound hardcover with deeply pressed blind-stamped borders and elegant gold-gilt lettering in traditional Victorian styling. It is a historical design album valued by collectors for its typography and graphic art.
The book is in excellent condition. All pages are accounted for, and the spine is intact.
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