A BIRTHDAY GREETING

same bookmark with different
coloured silk pattern

The image of this silk
bookmark kindly donated by
Georg Hartong, The Netherlands

 
A BIRTHDAY
GREETING

 

 

 

image of wreath of flowers
in the form of a letter 'C'

 

 

THE RETURN OF THY BIRTHDAY
IS WELCOME TO ME.
I HAIL IT WITH GREATEST
DELIGHT,
ACCEPT NOW MY WISH THAT
IT EVER MAY BE,
FULL OF HAPPINESS JOYOUS
AND BRIGHT.

SOFTLY I GREET THE RETURN
OF THIS DAY,
I FEEL THAT MY HEART
WILL APPROVE,
THE AFFECTION I VENTURE AND
THANKFULLY PAY,
MY MEMENTO DICTATED
BY LOVE.

 

20.2cm long by 5.6cm wide

 

Signed: "E. BOLLANS & Co. LEAMINGTON." on reverse top turnover.

This bookmark has a diamond registration mark woven into the reverse, pointed end. It is however rather indistinct, and in green silk.
The best interpretation is that it is dated at 22 December 1870. However, Godden notes this registration as being of a Bollans bookmark, titled " To my friend ".

This bookmark is identical to Welch & Lenton - recorded as owe28