Bidspirit auctions | Kedem Auction Feb 24
Kedem, Feb 24. 16 lots, estimates 20000 - 2000000 $.
Kedem -
We are pleased to present a refined selection of sixteen exceptionally rare and high-quality items. This catalogue forms part of a growing trend at Kedem Auction House to offer our clients items of outstanding quality and importance in focused, small-scale, and exclusive dedicated auctions.
The present catalogue includes particularly rare incunabula and first editions, illuminated manuscripts from the late Middle Ages, rare Esther scrolls from the 17th and 18th centuries, and three silver and gold pieces with solid provenance. The highlight of this catalogue is a first edition copy of Moreh Nevuchim by the Rambam (Rome, ca. 1473-1475), one of the earliest Hebrew books printed and one of the very few complete copies held today in private hands. Decades have passed since a complete copy of this book last appeared at public auction, and it unquestionably constitutes the very heart of the present sale.
Alongside Moreh Nevuchim, the catalogue also features a copy of the first edition of Tanya (Likutei Amarim; Slavita, 1796) by R. Shneur Zalman of Liadi, the Alter Rebbe, founder of Chabad. This copy – complete, in excellent condition, and with especially wide margins – originates from the library of R. Rafael Shlomo Drimmer, a prominent Chabad Chassid in Brooklyn, and formerly from the collection of Salman Schocken in Jerusalem. The copy of Midrash Rabbah (Constantinople, 1512) likewise originates from the Salman Schocken Library in Jerusalem.
Two lots in this catalogue – Lot 2 (manuscript siddur according to the Western Ashkenazic rite, 14th century) and Lot 7 (Moreh Nevuchim) – will be exhibited in Zurich, Switzerland, rather than in Jerusalem. Private viewing appointments will be gladly arranged.
The proceeds from two lots in this catalogue will be donated to charity: the proceeds from the sale of Tanya (Lot 13) are designated to support the renovation project of the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s Ohel in New York, and the proceeds from the sale of the German Torah shield from the Simon Brueckheimer Collection (Lot 14) will likewise be donated to charity.
As always, we look forward to welcoming you at our Jerusalem offices, and will be pleased to answer any questions and provide additional information and images.
Meron Eren, Angelo M. Piattelli and the Kedem Team
Lots in this catalog (16)
- Lot 1: Papal Bull of Pope Julius III – Rome, — $20,000 - $30,000
- Lot 2: Decorated Parchment Manuscript – Ashkenazic-Rite Siddur – With Passover Haggadah, — $300,000 - $500,000
- Lot 3: Decorated Parchment Manuscript – Bechinat Olam by Rabbi Yedaiah HaPenini, and Other Works – Provence, 14th/15th Century — $80,000 - $100,000
- Lot 4: Early and Important Esther Scroll – Italy, — $80,000 - $100,000
- Lot 5: Engraved Esther Scroll by Shalom Italia – Amsterdam, Ca. 1641-1650 — $80,000 - $100,000
- Lot 6: Hand-Colored Engraved Esther Scroll – Probably Venice, Ca. — $100,000 - $150,000
- Lot 7: Moreh Nevuchim by the Rambam – Incunabulum – Rome, Ca. — $2,000,000 - $3,000,000
- Lot 8: Sefer HaIkarim by Rabbi Yosef Albo – Incunabulum – Soncino, 1485 – Complete Copy of the First Edition, — $50,000 - $70,000
- Lot 9: Midrash Rabbah on the Torah – First Edition – Constantinople, 1512 – Schocken Copy — $60,000 - $80,000
- Lot 10: Kitzur Piskei HaRosh – First Edition – Constantinople, 1515 — $30,000 - $40,000
- Lot 11: Zohar – Cremona, 1559-1560 – First Edition Printed Simultaneously with Mantua Edition – Rare "Large Zohar" Edition, — $30,000 - $40,000
- Lot 12: Passover Haggadah – Mantua, — $80,000 - $120,000
- Lot 13: Likutei Amarim (Tanya) – First Edition – Slavita, 1796 – Complete Schocken Library Copy, — $500,000 - $800,000
- Lot 14: Torah Shield – Augsburg, 17th Century – From the Synagogue of the Jewish Community of Goßmannsdorf, Bavaria — $30,000 - $50,000
- Lot 15: Pair of Torah Finials from the Great Synagogue of London – London, — $80,000 - $100,000
- Lot 16: Gold Amulet Case – Italy, 19th Century – Luzzatto Family, San Daniele del Friuli — $25,000 - $35,000