Title from explicit (leaf [2F]5v). Imprint from colophon (leaf [2F]5v), which gives date of publication in German words. Signatures: [a]⁴, [b-d]⁸, [e]⁶, [f-z]⁸, [A-O]⁸, [P]⁶, [Q-Z]⁸, [2a-2z]⁸, [2A-2C]⁸, [2D-2F]⁶. Leaves [P]6, [Q]1, and [2F]6 are blank; numerous errors in foliation. The woodcuts are those of the Low German Bible published by Quentell in Cologne, ca. 1478. For discussion, see Muther, R. German book illustration of the Gothic period, 1972, p. 51-53. Printed in 2 columns. Capital spaces.
Lacks 1 of the 2 blank leaves P6 or Q1 (probably the 2nd one); conjugate blank leaves of a different paper have been bound around the 1st gathering; edges have been trimmed, affecting leafy border extension on leaf Q2. Initials on leaves [a]1r, [b]1r, and [Q]2r, in gold and colors, with gilt ground bearing punch dotting and impressions, within a red and green frame; leafy border extension with gold dotting on leaf [Q]2r; all woodcuts have been hand-colored; large woodcut on leaf [b]1r, hand-colored, has also gilt background with punch dotting, in an alternate green and red frame. Initials provided in interlocking red and blue paint at the beginning of most of the books; smaller initials in alternate red and blue. A few early manuscript notes, manicules, brackets and underlining (mostly in the Book of Job). In a 16th cent. German pigskin binding, blind tooled with floral design borders and roll with portraits of Reformation figures, showing evidence of metal corner- and centerpieces; evidence of 2 clasps; remains of a finding tab on blank leaf between the 2 main pts. of the book; in a tailored box. See oversized curatorial file for rubbing of front board. Bookplates of Georg Kloss (no. 745 in the Sotheby sale catalog of his library, May 1835) and of Mr. and Mrs. Dunscombe Colt. Gift of Mrs. H. Dunscombe Colt--12 February 1983.
