Gauffering

Gilt edges are splendid enough, but some have an extra decorative flourish. Gauffering is the process through which decorative patterns are engraved into the gilt edges by using heated binder’s finishing tools. Typically patterns are created one small dot at a time in the pointillé style, creating detailed and elaborate designs.

The Book of Common Prayer. Oxford, England: University Press, 1844. 

The Holy Bible: containing the Old and New Testaments. Edinburgh: Printed by Sir D. Hunter Blair and M.S. Tyndall Bruce, 1843. 

These gauffered edges adorn papier maĉhe binding specimens found in the Bernard C. Middleton Collection at the Cary Collection. The silk bookmarks read "Faith Hope and Charity", "No Cross No Crown" and "The Truth Shall Make Us Free."