This is a very large antiphonal double-sided page. It is in very good condition. Dimensions(735mm X 560mm) are shown in the photos. Each side contains a large illustrated capital letter
Dimensions(735mm X 560mm) are shown in the photos.
Hi Brad,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
This image shows a large illuminated manuscript page from a medieval or Renaissance-era antiphonal, or choir book. Antiphonals were used by choirs in monastic or cathedral settings, typically for singing the Divine Office (especially Matins, Lauds, and Vespers).
Square notation on a four-line staff, which was common for Gregorian chant. The black square notes (neumes) represent relative pitch, and the red staff lines help guide pitch reference. The absence of modern meter or bar lines is typical of chant, which was sung in free rhythm.
The market for these ranges; ones that are more elaborately decorated tend to bring higher values but ones of comparable size, age and composition have sold at auction recently for between $1,000-1,500. Note that manuscripts dealers will likely be marking any they're selling for more.
Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:
A Renaissance revival style double-sided antiphonal
Late 16th Century
In Latin, one side with an "A", the other side with a "D."
735 mm x 560 mm (29 by 22 inches), unframed.
CONDITION: with some creases and handling wear visible.
PROVENANCE: Unknown
$1,000-1,500*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.
Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia
Brad,
Since I can't benefit from handling this in person, I'll take your word that it is late 16th Century rather than 19th Century and have updated the value accordingly. Note these are FAIR MARKET values rather than retail or insurance values.
I trust this revision meets with your approval.
Best,
Delia
I would like to ask you to reconsider this appraisal. It is significantly out of line with valuations I have received when someone sees it in person. Methinks your dating is wrong. There is, inscribed in pencil in a corner, a notation of c. 1593 which was done by a previous seller of antique books. This has not been questioned by those seeing the antiphonal in person. My request is for you to provide a valuation assuming that is a correct rendition of the time it was produced and how that changes the valuation. It IS in very good condition, but rather than detracting from its valuation (by seeming to be more recently made) it should benefit the valuation by being in such good condition.
Thanks for your attention to this.