1486 Incunable Bible Leaf – Book of Numbers with Hand-Rubrication & Marginalia

An original leaf from a Latin Bible printed in 1486 by Johann Amerbach in Basel, one of the great printers of the 15th century. As an incunable, printed in the first decades after Gutenberg, it is over 535 years old and comes from the very dawn of printing in the late medieval period.

The leaf is headed "Numeri" (Numbers) and printed in bold gothic type in two columns. It covers Numbers 1–3: the great census of the tribes of Israel, the arrangement of the twelve tribes camped around the Tabernacle, and the setting apart of the Levites for its service, including the account of Aaron's sons Nadab and Abihu. Large hand-painted red initials open Chapters 2 and 3, and red rubrication is added by hand to capitals throughout, making each leaf unique.

An early reader has added neat Latin marginal notes throughout, summarizing the text beside it. These include the total count of Israel's fighting men (603,550), notes on the duties of the Levites, and the fate of Nadab and Abihu. These notes give a rare glimpse of how this Bible was studied centuries ago.

The paper shows age-appropriate toning, light soiling, and edge wear, including a deckled outer edge. The printed text remains crisp, dark, and highly legible. This is a genuine piece of early printing history, ideal for collectors of Bibles, incunabula, or religious antiques, and it would be beautiful framed for display.