Description

1949 Missale Romanum — Large Latin Tridentine Altar Missal, H. Dessain (Mechelen, Belgium), Gilt Edges, Brass Clasps, Ribbons, Illustrated

A stately Missale Romanum (Roman Altar Missal) used for the Traditional Latin Mass. This large, church-grade volume features a black leather/leatherette cover embossed in gold with a cross and Α-Ω (Alpha & Omega), two brass closing clasps, gilt page edges, multiple silk ribbon markers, and leather thumb-index tabs. Rich red/black typography, illuminated title pages, and art plates make it both usable and highly displayable.

Edition & Imprimatur

• Title: Missale Romanum

• Language: Latin

• Printer/Publisher: H. Dessain, Mechliniae / Mechelen (Belgium)

• Imprimatur: J. E. Cardinal van Roey, Archbishop of Mechelen — 1 March 1949

• Notes on content: Tridentine rite (pre-Vatican II). Includes decorative plates (e.g., after Jan van Eyck), symbolic woodcuts (Eucharistic pelican; chalice), and classic red/black setting.

Physical Features

• Large altar format; gilded edges

• Two brass clasps on the fore-edge (functional)

• Multiple silk ribbons in various colors

• Leather (or high-grade leatherette) over boards with gold rule border

• Leather thumb tabs for quick navigation

• Quality paper with crisp impressions

Condition (vintage/used)

Good vintage condition with honest church wear: light rubbing to corners/edges of the cover, some fraying/loss to a few thumb-tabs, small age spots or waves on a few leaves, and minor scuffs to the brass (see photos). Binding feels sound; pages turn cleanly. Sold as a historical liturgical book.

What you’ll love

• Authentic pre-1960s Latin missal for altar, sacristy, or study

• Iconic Alpha-Omega cross cover—instantly recognizable

• Beautiful plates and ornament that photograph wonderfully

• Perfect for priests who celebrate the TLM, sacristans, scholars, and collectors

Suggested Uses

Church liturgy (where permitted), display on a credence/altar shelf, devotional reading, theological study, photography/film prop, or as a distinguished gift.