Victorian silk devotional 'Stevengraph' bookmark, in colours, depicting Jesus and Jerusalem, with a scriptural passage, with printed backing label of 'Thomas Stevens, Coventry & London, Inventor and Manufacturer of Pure Silk Woven Book Markers'.

In excellent condition. Pinned to grey printed backing label, headed with engravings of a row of 'the highest prize medals & diplomas' awarded to Stevens, and of the 'Stevengraph Works' in Coventry, and Stevens' trade mark. Folded horizontally three times. The bookmark is headed 'A BLESSING' and carries a picture of Jesus with arms outstretched, ascending over Holy Land rooftops. A scriptural passage follows (Matt. 28.5-6), with 'IHS' within a decorative pattern at the foot, which carries a yellow tassel. In rich colours: purple, lilac, green, blue and yellow. According to one authority 'the first recorded use of this title was on the paper backing label of his woven silk bookmarks, in 1876. Stevens also later named his factory in Coventry, "Stevengraph Works" and this again first appears on the bookmark backing label of 1878 - 1880.'