An elegant and highly collectible antique photograph album, with high probability dating to 1880-1900, attributed to Ant. Maitre (Antoine Maitre), whose stamp appears on the leather binding.
The album retains its original interior trade label reading Impression-Relieure Epse Arnould, Mons, connecting the piece to Mons, Belgium and to a professional period bookbinding / printing workshop.
The front cover features a personalized metal cartouche engraved Gabrielle, suggesting a bespoke commission or family presentation piece. Rich burgundy leather binding, gilt page edges, original clasp mechanism, and metal support feet all reflect superior late 19th century craftsmanship.
Inside, the album remains remarkably well preserved and retains its original mounts for period photographs. Capacity is approximately 48 smaller photographs and 6 larger cabinet photographs. Original instruction inserts remain present, a desirable sign of careful preservation.
Far more refined than ordinary anonymous Victorian albums, this is a decorative and historically appealing collector’s object suitable for interiors, libraries, photography collections, or luxury gift presentation.
Details:
• Dimensions: Height: 23 cm (9.1 in); Width: 18 cm (7.1 in); Thickness: 5 cm (2 in)
• Condition: Very good antique condition for its age. Interior pages are clean, complete, and structurally sound with no tears observed. Original clasp remains present and functional. Exterior leather shows expected gentle age wear and handling marks. There is localized wear / small damage to the lower gilt fore-edge area of the page block, visible in photographs. Overall presentation remains highly attractive.
(The photographs form an integral part of the description.)
A well-placed antique does more than decorate a room - it gives it authorship. Against a contemporary interior, older objects introduce texture, balance and a sense of permanence that cannot be replicated by newly made pieces alone.
This is the principle behind the LÜRON selection. We look for works that carry historical character with ease, and that feel as convincing in a Paris apartment as they do in a more modern architectural setting.
