Fothergill Book Appraisal

March In The Ranks (Oxford Edition) by Fothergill

The item is the spine of a vintage or antique book, titled "March In The Ranks" by "Fothergill." The spine is a striking rich red color, likely cloth, possibly buckram or similar durable textile binding. The text for the title and author is impressed into a golden-yellow rectangular panel, suggesting a foil stamping or gilt lettering over a lighter block. The typography is sans-serif for the title and author, clean and legible. Above the title panel, there's an ornate black intertwined knotwork or Celtic pattern. Below the title panel, a significant portion of the spine is adorned with intricate black decorative motifs that appear to be foliage, specifically strawberry leaves and vines, possibly representing a naturalistic or Arts and Crafts style. Centered within this foliage design is a circular or oval medallion featuring a black background with a detailed golden-yellow illustration of a heraldic lion rampant, or possibly a mythical beast, in a playful pose, perhaps with a smaller figure. Below this medallion, the words "OXFORD EDITION" are clearly visible, also in gold-yellow, indicating a specific publishing series or imprint, likely Oxford University Press given the 'Oxford' reference and the quality of the binding. The black designs are sharp and well-defined, suggesting good condition for the embossing or printing. There appears to be some minor wear at the edges and corners consistent with age and handling, but no major tears, significant fading, or water damage is discernible from the image. The craftsmanship points to a quality binding, typical of late 19th or early 20th-century editions, which prioritized aesthetic appeal and durability.