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Collection: 20th century bible, double locks
Welcome to our collection of 20th-century Bibles with silver clasps.
On this page, you will find a special selection of Bibles, wedding Bibles, and church books from the twentieth century. Although printing and society modernized during this period, the tradition of Bibles with silver clasps remained very much alive in the Netherlands—particularly within traditional costume-wearing and orthodox Protestant circles.
History and Style Changes
In the early 20th century, designers were inspired by Art Nouveau (Jugendstil) and later Art Deco, leading to sleeker and more stylized silver designs. In addition to new designs, the 20th century saw a great revaluation of the past. Many silver factories and goldsmiths (such as in Schoonhoven) specialized in reproducing classic 18th- and 19th-century models. These Bibles were often given as traditional wedding gifts and cherished for generations.
What to look for when purchasing?
When assessing a twentieth-century copy, the following points are important:
- Modern Hallmarks: Look for modern Dutch silver hallmarks, such as the sword with the fineness number (e.g., .835 or .925 for first grade) and the registered maker's mark.
- Historic Clasps on New Bindings: In the 20th century, antique silverwork from worn 18th-century Bibles was often transferred to a brand-new leather bookbinding. Check whether the silver is antique or a 20th-century reproduction.
- Translation: Pay attention to which text edition it is, such as the traditional Statenvertaling or the NBG-translation from 1951.
Browse our offerings and find a beautifully preserved piece of 20th-century heritage.