Leaf from a Bible, II Kings 17, C15th manuscript in Latin on parchment

Leaf from a Bible, recovered from use in a bookbinding, manuscript in Latin on parchment

Single incomplete leaf, c. 363 × 258 mm, written in two columns of 47 lines in a rather informal gothic bookhand, with a few calligraphic extensions of ascenders on the top line, one rubric with chapter number “cap(itulum) xviii”, capitals stroked in red, the text comprising II Kings 17:19–18:31 (“fuerat. Projecitque dominus … de vinea sua”), running headers “Regum” in blue and “quartus” in red; with plenty of physical evidence of its use in a binding: four horizontal defects in the wide outer margin were doubtless caused by four sewing-bands; the recto has stains from the turn-ins of the tanned leather covering; two rust-stain in the lower margin were doubtless caused by the nails of metal fittings; some stains and overall mould, but almost entirely legible.