Missale Romanum, 1717 – Extraordinary Early 18th Century Liturgical Volume with Sterling Silver Mounts

A breathtaking piece of ecclesiastical and bibliophilic history, this monumental 1717 Missale Romanum is a masterwork of early 18th-century Catholic printing and religious art. Bound in deep red full leather, the cover is exquisitely decorated with a tooled gilt floral border and adorned with two stunning hand-worked sterling silver central plaques, each featuring symbolic liturgical imagery—including the Lamb of God (Agnus Dei) and altar motifs beneath radiant beams.

This sacred volume is fitted with ornate sterling silver corner protectors and working clasps, original to the piece and still intact, showcasing both aesthetic beauty and preservation function. The spine is richly gilded and labeled “MISSALE ROMANUM,” exhibiting fine tooling and decorative motifs across raised bands.

Inside, the text is printed in crisp black and red Latin type, accompanied by large, finely engraved illustrations depicting major Christian events, such as Pentecost and the Epiphany, in dramatic baroque style. The edges are beautifully gilded, and the pages remain remarkably clean and bright for their age.

Details:

• Title: Missale Romanum

• Date: 1717

• Language: Latin

• Binding: Full leather with gilt tooling, sterling silver fittings

• Features:

• Two large repoussé sterling silver plaques (front and back)
• Four corner protectors and two functioning clasps
• Gilt page edges
• Full-page copperplate engravings
• Illustrated title pages and ornate capitals throughout
  • Dimensions: [Insert dimensions if known]
  • Condition: Excellent antique condition; binding structurally sound with some expected age wear to the leather and silver. Clasps functional. Minor toning and foxing consistent with age.

This is a rare opportunity to acquire a true devotional treasure—ideal for collectors of rare liturgical works, religious artifacts, or 18th-century European bindings. Both spiritually and visually magnificent, this Missale Romanum would be equally at home in a private library, sacred space, or museum collection.

about the book: 

The Missale Romanum of 1717, printed by the renowned Plantin-Moretus press in Antwerp, represents a major milestone in the standardization of Roman Catholic liturgy following the reforms of the Council of Trent. Initially ordered by Pope Pius V and revised under Popes Clement VIII and Urban VIII, this edition reflects the Church’s continuing effort to enforce liturgical uniformity well into the 18th century. By incorporating “new Masses” with apostolic approval, it remained responsive to evolving religious practice while upholding the Tridentine ideal of centralized authority in worship.

What sets this edition apart is its broader historical and cultural context. The Plantin-Moretus press, which enjoyed a near-monopoly on liturgical book production for the Spanish Empire, was a key agent in disseminating Catholic orthodoxy across Europe and the Americas. These missals were not just religious texts but also objects of art—often bound and decorated according to regional styles, particularly in colonial contexts where European and indigenous craftsmanship blended. As such, the Missale Romanum serves as both a theological anchor and a tangible witness to the interplay of religion, empire, and print culture in the early modern world.

Adorned with thick sterling silver plates and clasps, fine straight grain morroco beautiful ornamentation, this book is truly an incredible piece of religious history and artistic expression.