Restoration of Russian Bible
This was a large early 19th century Russian Bible, originally bound in full leather on wooden boards with brass clasps. When it came in for restoration it was missing both clasps, the endpapers (which were highly acidic) had perished, and one board was detached. I rebacked the bible, replacing the endpapers and brass clasps, and relaying the original spine back over a new one. These photos illustrate various stages of the restoration.
Click on an image below to see a bigger version.
Removed spine and relined book.
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Original wooden board.
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Original wooden board with remaining brass fittings.
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Pastedown removed from original board.
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Leather lifted.
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New handmade brass clasps.
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Remains of original strap before removal.
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Book in press ready for new leather spine.
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Board open ready for pastedown.
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Pastedown laid down open.
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Attaching clasp to leather strap, part 1.
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Attaching clasp to leather strap, part 2.
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Clasp attached
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Finished book showing new clasps.
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Finished book.
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Detail of new strap attached to board to wooden board.
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Finished reback, original spine relaid.
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Finished book.
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Finished book.
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