[1776 "GUN WAD" BIBLE]

28. [1776 "GUN WAD" BIBLE] Approximately 300 pages, 7¾"x9¾", the Third edition of Martin Luther's version of the Bible, first printed by Christoph Saur (1738-1784) in 1743, in German. Intact title page separate. The following pages are present from the Old Testament and the third Book of Maccabees: 143-536, 681-826, and 979-992. From the New Testament: title page, 19-20, 27-58, and 223-254. Covers lacking, binding with partial leather spine cleanly separated in several sections; general toning; scattered light foxing, especially at edges. With all faults, this very desirable artifact totals over 300 double-sided pages in overall excellent condition. This was the first American Bible to be printed with American handmade type, in German, at Germantown, PA, in 1776. At the beginning of the American Revolution, British troops broke into his shop during printing, destroyed his Bibles and equipment, and proceeded to use the printed pages of his Holy Bible to stuff or wad their guns, thus this Holy Bible became known as the "Gun Wad Bible." Est: $600-800
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