Oversize folio (770 x 530 mm). Blank ledger. Contemporary brown crushed levant, upper cover gilt-lettered "Grand Livre 1909" with tan, green, brown, yellow and red morocco onlays decorated in gilt and blind depicting a steam locomotive, copper fittings along top and bottom depicting train wheels and train tracks attached to bronze edge frame, lower cover with 5 bronze bosses (one detached), spine in 5 compartments with 6 raised bands, gilt-decorated in 3, 2 with decorative copper fittings, marbled edges. 

A MONUMENTAL 20th-CENTURY ART NOUVEAU BINDING

Presumably created to commemorate the takeover of Compagnie des Chemins de fer de l'Ouest by Chemin de Fer de l'Etat, which was made official on January 1, 1909. Bronze medals commemorating the takeover are known in several examples.  Compagnie des Chemis de fer de l'Ouest was formed  in 1855 by the merger of several railway companies serving Normandy and Brittany. A FINE OVERSIZE ART NOUVEAU BINDING, weight in excess of 120 pounds.  [Note: Bidders are encouraged to contact the department directly to request shipping information prior to bidding.]