Rare professional demonstration board made for Ch. Lepoil, a gilder established at 152 Boulevard Maritime, Le Havre. On its brown leather background, it displays different alphabets, numbers, monograms, and first names executed in gold leaf or black, allowing customers to choose the typography for personalizing books, albums, leather goods, or bindings. Its stamped border decoration and original textile handle enhance the charm of this authentic tool of the trade.
✦ Estimated period: late 19th century – early 20th century ✦ Provenance: France, Ch. Lepoil workshop, gilder, 152 Boulevard Maritime, Le Havre ✦ Dimensions: approx. 21.5 x 13 cm ✦ Material: rigid cardboard covered in leather, gilded and black decorations; textile tie ✦ Condition: good used condition; patination, rubbing, scratches and small stains on the leather, gilding and decorations partially worn or missing in places. Original old textile tie present; reverse marked by time.
This old gilder's sample book is a rare piece of French bookbinding and craftsmanship, ideal for a cabinet of curiosities or a collection of tools of the trade.
