27 November 2020
Containing the Old and New Testament, the Psalms and Hymns, and the Forms interleaved with page-size Biblical prints.
Attractive binding bound in black gauffred leather decorated with silver and gilt-edged text block. Remarkable on this copy are the thick and heavy silver chain and the heavy silver clasps. The four corners and the chain holders are decorated with images of reading people, the locks with Moses and Aaron. On the inside of the upper lock are the letters G.E.D. engraved, in the lower lock the year 1785. The silver work on church books was seen as a status symbol, the binding showed the social class and wealth of a churchgoer. The Staphorst Bibles were often worn at a rope or chain and belonged to the traditional costume for the Sunday. The heavy silver chain of this copy points out that it was the property of a wealthy person, the lower class wore the Bible at a blue rope or in the case of mourning a black rope.
Available for purchase.
