Leaf of a Psalter in Latin, manuscript on vellum [Scandinavia, Norway(?), 12th century].

A Scandinavian Psalter
Leaf of a Psalter in Latin, manuscript on vellum [Scandinavia, Norway(?), 12th century].
The strange, backward-leaning script was attributed to Scandinavia by Colker: it is a vanishingly rare example of Scandinavian manuscript production of the period.

c.215 × 160mm. Prickings survive at the fore-edge, written with 23 lines per page, the text comprising Psalms 63:3–65:7, the first word of each psalm in majuscules, rubrics consisting only of ‘P D’ (Psalmus David), two-line initials to Psalms and one-line initials to verses in plain red (some wear, but generally in good condition and fully legible).

Provenance:
Colker MS 80; acquired in 1965 from Maggs.

The strange script was first attributed to Scandinavia by Colker: it is very backward-leaning, with hooked marks of abbreviation, tall ‘s’ with a shoulder, and ‘r’ with a two-stroke upper limb and often a leftward tick at the base of the minim, except after ‘o’ when it takes the 2-shaped form – one of very few gothic features.

This lot is offered without reserve.
This lot has been imported from outside of the UK for sale and placed under the Temporary Admission regime. Import VAT is payable at 5% on the hammer price. VAT at 20% will be added to the buyer’s premium but will not be shown separately on our invoice.
Please note this lot is the property of a consumer. See H1 of the Conditions of Sale.