Handwritten Manuscript Leaves – Latin – 15th Century | Vellum Breviary or Missal Fragments

These 15th-century handwritten manuscript leaves contain selected Latin prayers and scripture written on vellum in a clear Gothic hand. Spread across five distinct quires, this unbound group includes 12 leaves totaling 24 pages. Red and blue initials mark section openings. Portions of each page contain biblical excerpts, seasonal prayers, and structured invocations, all in Latin.

These texts span Old Testament scripture, Latin orations, and seasonal liturgy, forming part of the larger ecclesiastical rhythm found in medieval devotional books. Their inclusion of major psalms, feast-day prayers, and communion rites reflects common elements found in Breviaries. Leaf 97 features the Oratio and Collect, central to structured liturgical recitation. Texts from 1 Maccabees and Kings appear across other leaves, placing this fragment set within a tradition of composite manuscript construction serving both public Mass and private devotion.

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Latin Breviary or Missal fragments
• Author(s): anonymous
• Edition: Manuscript, 15th century.
• Format: Octavo
• Binding: Unbound manuscript leaves
• Size: ~ 11.5 in x 8 in (28.5 cm x 20 cm)
• Collation: 12 leaves, 24 pages
• Illustrations: Decorative initials in red and blue
• Contents Include:
  • 1 Kings 21:20–24 (Ahab and Elijah)
  • Psalm 101: “Domine exaudi orationem meam…”
  • Communion prayer: “Supplicamus Domine…”
  • Pentecost prayer: “Deus, qui corda fidelium…”
  • 1 Maccabees 4:18–24 (Judas Maccabeus and Gorgias)
  • Psalm 136: “Quoniam in saeculum misericordia eius”
  • Psalm 70:1: “In te, Domine, speravi…”

Condition:

Written on smooth, vellum, each leaf remains firm and stable. Ink retains strong color. Red and blue initials appear throughout. Some edges were trimmed in the past, cutting into side text. Rubbing has faded the text in places, making legibility difficult. First leaf with minor damage resulting in loss of text.

Why Collect This?

• Five separate manuscript quires, mid-15th century
• Original vellum leaves with Latin liturgical content
• Painted initials in alternating red and blue