Darmstadt, L. C. Mittich, 1821. Small 8vo (17.2 x 10.7 cm). Title with engraved vignette, xiii, 1046, [xxvi] pp. Contemporary full pebbled morocco. Spine with five raised bands, and silver head and foot pieces. Boards silver floral border, centre piece with oblong shield and two clasps and catches. Green glossy endpapers. All edges gilt and gauffered at corners.

A fine example of an early 19th-century German luxury binding. The oblong centrepieces are engraved "J. G. / C. S. G. " (front), and "M. [or H.] E. G. 1759" (rear). The date suggests that the hymnal replaced another, much earlier book. Alternatively, it could represent a birth date, as it predates the publication of the hymnal by 62 years, but the rococo elements of the silver fittings do suggest a mid-18th-century date of origin. Endpapers a bit wrinkled in the lower gutter. Copy of a description of this book in a Reiss auction catalogue mounted on the rear free endpaper verso. Otherwise very good, clean and unmarked.