Torah crown. [Algeria or Tunisia, early decades of the 20th century].
Silver, cut, repoussé and engraved (marked with French fineness mark, in use from 1838, and a small, indistinct maker’s mark in the shape of a lozenge); twisted silver wire.
Crown influenced in form by Italian Torah crowns, of tapering cylindrical shape, open at top and base. Decorated with elaborate foliate motifs and two pairs of large lions holding Stars of David. One dedication repoussé near the base reads:
"Torah crown, a donation by… R. Eliyahu Moatti and his brother R. Yosef Moatti". Another inscription engraved within a Star of David (in French):
"Offert / par / Moatti Léon". Undulating upper rim. Interior fitted with bent silver rods for attachment to the Torah rollers (Atzei Chaim).
Height: 19.5 cm. Diameter of base: 20 cm. Diameter of top opening: 26 cm. Good condition. Minor breaks to rim.
