Marriage Records

     This binding is a fine example of an unusual ledger construction common in record books from the mid-1800’s to the early 1900’s. The stiff, curved spine flexes enough to allow the book to open, but then pops back in shape, forcing the pages to lay flat across the inner margin. The lever-action of the “spring” spine requires very strong sewing and a number of linings tucked into the heavy, split boards. While the sewing occasionally breaks, it is the leather across the spine that most commonly gives out, causing the spine piece to detach and, often, get lost.