Lot 119 email save

Jesse James Baptismal Bible James Collection

This item was found in a trunk belonging to the notorious outlaw Jesse James. The items listed in this auction as well as five antique firearms were found in an around the trunk which was hidden in a barn on Jesse's Uncle's farm near Stamping Grounds, Kentucky. The trunk remained hidden in a dark corner under a deteriorating pile of hay for over 110 years before its discovery in 1998. These items are now up for sale in separate lots. Please contact us for further information, more detailed descriptions, terms of sale, etc.

This small burgundy Bible has notation inside the front cover. It states: "Given to Jesse Woodson James in celebration of his dedication to our Lord. The Congregation of Hope, Sept. 14, 1847"

This is the only known Bible which belonged to Jesse. Undoubtedly his Mother's keepsake, this Bible was saved inside the trunk to remember her beloved son. It also contains a small paper, and a dried flower. The paper reads: "Life is real life is earnest And the grave is not its goal. Dust thou art to dust returnest, Was not spoken of the soul.

Condition: The top and bottom of the binding have been previously taped to minimize tearing. The burgundy coloring is lifting in some areas, including the cover edges and binding. Also, the flap used to close the Bible has a tear. The condition inside is extremely good for its age. There is no further writing in the Bible found, other than what is mentioned above.

View The Auction Gallery of Florence next auction.

Similar lots up for auction