Miniature Koran Value Guide

The Miniature Koran is a marvel of early 20th-century photo-lithography, most famously produced by David Bryce of Glasgow between 1900 and 1915. These tiny religious texts are highly collectible due to their historical role as spiritual talismans carried by soldiers during World War I.

What affects the value of Miniature Koran?

• The presence and condition of the original metal talisman case significantly impacts the $150-$165 price range.
• Completeness of the item, including the functional magnifying lens often embedded in the locket cover.
• Physical condition of the delicate paper and leather binding, which can suffer from wear due to its history as a pocket-carried item.
• Provenance linking the specific piece to World War I military use can enhance its historical appeal to collectors.

How to Identify Miniature Koran?

• Look for the David Bryce of Glasgow publisher mark, often associated with high-quality photo-lithography.
• Verify the presence of the original metal locket or casing, which frequently includes a built-in magnifying glass.
• Check for authentic leather binding on the miniature book itself, consistent with UK production standards of the era.
• Examine the text clarity; authentic Bryce editions remain legible under high magnification despite their microscopic size.

History of Miniature Koran

Miniature Korans gained popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. One of the most famous publishers was David Bryce of Glasgow, who used photo-lithography to create versions so small they required a magnifying glass to read. These tiny books were often carried by soldiers in their pockets during World War I for spiritual protection.