Bidspirit auction | Extremely Rare - Antique Silver

Extremely Rare - Antique Silver German Torah Shield from the 18th Century - Extremely rare - an antique Torah shield from the 18th century, likely from Poland or Western Ukraine (Galicia?) or even Lithuania, late 18th or early 19th century, made of '800' silver, unmarked, silver purity tested, hand-hammered in the German Rococo period and style, featuring the inscription on the front: 'Belongs to the Chevra Kadisha' [of a holy community]. This is a classic example of Ashkenazi Jewish silverwork from Eastern Europe. The expression ”Holy to the Lord / for Sabbath and Yom Tov” is handwritten, and this specific style of Hebrew letters - especially the ”leaning” ends of the letters - aligns with the calligraphy common in the Jewish settlements of the Russian Empire and Poland where Jews were allowed to reside at the time. Unlike German shields that were heavier and smoother and marked by the manufacturer, this shield is made with 'repouss?' handwork in a 'rustic' style, and the columns on the back are hollow and deep from hammering, indicating they were created by a traditional silversmith, likely in a small workshop. Total weight: 189 grams. Total width: 12.5 cm, Total height including chain: 34 cm