Torah shield. [Germany], with dedicatory inscription dated 1862.
Silver, cast, stamped, cut and engraved (marked with maker’s mark NADENHEIM, and fineness mark "13"); gilt.
Plain shield with applied ornaments fastened by screws: a pair of lions flanking architectural columns and a large crown with two ribbon-shaped ornaments. Central plaque shaped as a shield engraved with a long, detailed dedicatory inscription. Rectangular compartment at bottom with a two-sided silver plaque: "Parashat Zakhor" / "Parashat Shekalim".
The inscription opens with the words:
"These are the names of the members of the Chevra Kadisha of… Michelfeld, 5622 [1862]", who donated the Torah shield to the synagogue. This is followed by a list of names of over thirty members of the community, including the families: Marx, Zimmern, Oppenheimer, Strauss, Mintzheimer, Boyer, Scheuer, Traub, Kaufmann, and others.
Attached to the shield are a suspension chain and a bell, hanging from the bottom edge.
A Jewish community existed in Michelfeld (Baden-Württemberg) for centuries, until WWII. In the mid-19th century, the community numbered about 240 members.
Height: 27 cm. Width: 22 cm. Overall good condition. Minor blemishes. Two bells missing.
