[Fine Binding | Leonard Mounteney] The Infernal Marriage

Though unsigned, bound in 3/4 crushed morocco by the Cuneo Fine Binding Studio with square corners, outlined in a dotted gilt rule, and patterned paper boards. Spine with four bands and large lower compartment richly gilt with leaves, vines, and three large red inlaid flowers. Second, third, and fifth compartments with titling in gilt. All edges gilt, with the top edge gauffered and painted with leaves and flowers. Yellow watered silk endpapers. Measures approx. 6.75" x 10". Some light rubbing to edges and spine bands.

Though the volume is unsigned, it is unmistakably from the Cuneo Fine Binding Studio, and was most likely tooled by Leonard Mounteney, who was the finisher at Cuneo at the time this volume was bound (early 1930s). Mounteney worked as an extra finisher at Riviere & Son in London until 1924, when he joined the Extra Bindery at R. R. Donnelley in Chicago, working alongside Alfred de Sauty. He left Donnelley in 1926 to join Cuneo's hand bindery, also in Chicago. (This volume even features the butterfly tool commonly seen on Donnelley bindings from Mounteney's time with the firm.)