Biedermeier style. Approx. 1830-1865
The Biedermeier period is a period in German/Austrian (art) history that started in about 1815 (the Congress of Vienna) until the revolutionary year 1848.
The Empire style with its military ornaments inspired by the Romans gave more attention to homeliness, friendly shapes and national ornaments. The Biedermeier style is characterized by lovely elements such as swans and a harp.
The development of silversmithing came at a rapid pace. It became increasingly easier to process silver plates into Bible locks by using technical aids. The engraving work was also increasingly done by machine. This allowed complicated patterns to be applied to the locks relatively easily. During this time there was mass production. Many of the Bibles with silver clasps that are still in circulation date from this time.
The Bible locks below were made by the silversmith A. Kooiman from Schoonhoven, who worked from 1837 to 1860.
