German Renaissance Illuminated Book of Hours

likely 15th -16th century, 18mo (6 in.), consisting of approximately 200 vellum leaves bound within 18th century calf, many pages are illuminated with gold accents and painted floral embellishments; gilt page ends and gilt rules to boards; the text opens with holy days, including saints' days, to be observed during the coming year. No figural illustrations are present.
The front pastedown carries a library plate inscribed, "Purchased April 1890," for a certain James Means; included is a second, and slightly later, leaf bearing the library plate of Gerald E. Hart, a noted Canadian numismatist and bibliophile. The page listing February's holy days carries a 19th or early 20th century manuscript price of £.8. 7. 6.

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Internally in very good condition, the leaves being intact with some light soiling from the ages; most illumination is solid with only some surface wear; the first leaf that would have listed the holy days for January is lacking, as is any illuminated title page there may have been; the boards are heavily worn, stained and split, the top board being disbound and having the remains of inappropriate tape repairs; the text remains securely bound; overall good condition.