librarycompany:

Bindings on 19th century albums and gift books were meant to catch the eye, and in some cases the binding was more important than the contents.  This album is no exception.  Decorated with painted inlaid mother-of-pearl and bordered in gilt it certainly caught our eye. 

Album: presented to [blank] by [blank]. [Philadelphia : Moss & Brother, 1855?]. Binding attributed to Altemus & Co.