We are not sure when the bible was purchased, but the handwriting on the births/deaths pages seems to give a clue that it was probably after 1893. All of the listed births are in the same handwriting and pen, the last birth listed as 1893. It is most likely that the bible was purchased by Michael Jr. and Barbara Hunkler.
The inside cover of the bible lists the firm of Gately & Fitzgerald of Philadelphia, PA. This is the assumed printer.
Other evidence in the first 10 pages or so indicate that this particular edition is a revision edited and expanded by Rev. F. C. Husenbeth, about 1883. The original edition is credited to Rev. George Haydock, 1812 and created in England.
The bible uses full size pages and is about 4 inches thick with some very stiff covers. The covers appear to be carved or pressed leather and you can see the remnants of very ornate artwork in the covers and some hints of gold inlay that still remain. The page edges were gilded. There are two metal clasps for holding the bible closed.
Hardly a page goes by without an illustration, figure, or other artwork. The pages were bundled in groups of 30 or 40 prior to binding, and with each bundle there is usually at least one page in full color.
The most interesting tidbit about the bible has come from experts in the books industry: The average price for a bible of this nature would be equivalent to 2 weeks salary. Quite an investment then or now!
In my search for this information I stumbled across an email communication by Bernard Ward, which is unrelated, but does contain some interesting tidbits about the evolution of bibles. To read this information CLICK HERE.
I have also recieved an informative email from Sid Ohlhausen of the International Society of Bible Collectors. To read CLICK HERE.
front cover
inside cover
back cover in color, or in black & white
a selected page with many graphics
some full color plates, temple in wilderness & molten sea
Jesus and Mary
The Ten Commandments
some Stations of the Cross
more example color pages
some family births and deaths
clarified Hunkler family births
clarified Hunkler family deaths
