Pair of Torah finials. Breslau, Germany (today Wrocław, Poland), 18th century.
Silver, cast, repoussé, and pierced (marked with Breslau city mark; year mark – possibly the letter "G" – in use in years 1761-1776; partial maker’s mark, perhaps Joseph Gottlieb Lederhorse, active 1765-1817; and tax mark from Lemberg [Lwów, Lviv], in use in years 1806-1807).
Torah finials in a design compatible with the shape of "Atzei Chayim" (Torah scroll handles). Each finial is in the form of a spiraling architectonic column tapering upward, and supported on a broad, dome-shaped base adorned with vegetal patterns. The tops of the columns of the finials are encircled with undulating ornaments, and surmounted by small domes pierced with crescent- and circle-shaped apertures. Over the domes are figurative ornaments in the form of leafy branches bearing flowers and acorns, with birds at the very top.
We have no knowledge of other items of Judaica created by the silversmith Joseph Gottlieb Lederhorse apart from a single Torah finial in the collection of the Jewish Museum, New York (F2672). For comparison, see: Rafi Grafman, Crowning Glory: Silver Torah Ornaments of the Jewish Museum, New York, NY, 1996, no. 267 (single finial from Breslau), no. 305 (single finial created by same silversmith), and no. 339 (pair of finials with similar upper ornaments).
Height: 21.5 cm. Diameter at base: approx. 11 cm. Weight: 320 g. Overall good condition. Minor warping and fractures to base. Small hole to edge of base of one finial. Minor warping and fractures to upper ornaments, and tiny pieces missing. Small holes in upper encircling ornaments may suggest formerly attached ornaments missing.
