Pair of Torah finials. Amsterdam, the Netherlands, [ca. 1750-1770].
Silver, cast, repoussé, pierced and engraved (unmarked; at bottom, marks of Ashkenazic community of Amsterdam "NIH AMST" [Nederlands-Israelitische Hoofdsynagoge Amsterdam] in Hebrew and Latin characters, serial number LH11 [Lange Houtstraat]); gilt.
Stylized as hexagonal towers, characteristic of Dutch Torah finials from the 17th and 18th centuries. Decorated in gilt shell and blossom patterns. Each finial is set with two gilt silver plaques reading "Keter Torah".
The Lange Houtstraat synagogue in Amsterdam was built in 1894, founded after an earlier synagogue established by the Gemilut Chasadim Society in 1726. During World War II, the synagogue and its surroundings were severely damaged, and the structure was destroyed.
Height: 41 cm. Width: 11 cm. Weight: 2118 g. Overall good condition. Minor warping and defects. Some bells lacking.
For similar finials dated to the 1760s, see: Jewish Museum, Amsterdam, items C0404, C0488.
Provenance:
1. Lange Houtstraat synagogue, Ashkenazic community in Amsterdam, NIHS (Nederlands-Israëlitische Hoofdsynagoge Amsterdam).
2. Sotheby's, New York, 13 December 2006, Lot 108.
