A.J. Hipkins' Historic Instruments. Bible Regal antique print c1888

by Hipkins, Alfred James

Wonderful antique print of an early Bible Regal, a very rare early keyboard instrument, invented by George Voll, an organ-builder of Nuremberg, in the mid-16th century,.. The instrument could be folded up, and when closed looked like a book (hence the name Bible Regal). The key-board was hinged in the middle, and was extended for performances. This bible regal extended to four octaves and a fourth compass. The bellows are found by reversing the book cover. 

This is a chromolithograph by William Gibb for “Musical Instruments - Historic, Rare and Unique” by Alfred James Hipkins (1826-1903), published in Edinburgh, circa 1888 by Adam and Charles Black. Gibb's lithographs are considered the finest illustrations of musical instruments even today.

From a rare first edition (decommissioned by library) this half-page lithograph is 1/2 framed, mounted between 'antique white' ragmat conservation mattboard, protected by cellophane cover. The image within the mount measures 110 x 205mm (4.25 x 8 inches)