General Auction including Antiques & Colectables, Gold & Silver.
A technical manual titled Roper’s Hand-Book of the Locomotive, of pocketbook form featuring a black pebbled binding with a wrap-around flap and tuck-in strap. The flap is decorated with three gilt-embossed motifs including two inward-facing steam locomotives and a central mechanical governor device. The pages feature gilded edges. The interior text includes headers reading ROPER’S, HAND-BOOK OF THE LOCOMOTIVE, and LOCOMOTIVE. The manual contains technical details regarding steam expansion and locomotive performance, with specific reference to American railway routes including Fort Wayne and the line between New York and Philadelphia. No maker’s marks, signatures, or labels are visible on the item.
Condition report:
The manual shows signs of heavy use and age. There is major surface peeling and loss of the outer layer of the binding along the upper spine and top edges of the wrap-around flap (photo 1). The binding shows cracking and structural weakness at the flap hinge area (photo 1). The gilt embossed motifs show rubbing and loss of lustre (photo 1). The page edges show fading and wear throughout the gilding (photo 2). The interior paper exhibits significant toning (photo 2).
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