Fine Regency Prize Binding made for the 10 year old Bache Heathcote - with neoclassical tooling and red silk doublures.

Here is a beautiful regency prize binding given to Bache Heathcote in 1812, when he was 10 years old. 

The prize binding is quite early as English prize bindings go, and is replete with neoclassical features - lyre motifs, "Greek key" geometric tooling, and the Anthemion roll, all drawn directly from Ancient Greek designs. The binding is made with premium smooth calf, has gilt edges, and the doublures (endpapers) are of fine red silk.

The prize binding is inscribed with the Latin "PALMAM QUI MERUIT FERAT" (Let he who has earned the palm bear it) and was awarded to "Bache H Heathcote" on 16th December 1812 at the Southwell Academy, near Nottingham.

Bache Harpur Heathcote (1802-1830) would have been 10 years old when he received this beautiful binding at school. He was born into the Derbyshire landowning gentry and attended Southwell academy, a private Nottingham school for wealthy children, which would have provided a solid classical education. Sadly, Bache died in Dublin at the age of 28, although I have been unable to find the cause of death.

The book contains two neoclassical works: Belisarius by Jean-François Marmontel, and Numa Pompilius by Jean-Pierre Claris de, Florian, published in London in 1811.

Complete work, minor toning to pages, rubbing to binding at hinges, but overall near-fine condition.