Torah shield. [Poland or Galicia, first half of 19th century].
Silver, cast, parcel gilt (unmarked); filigree.
Small Torah shield, on the level of quality of fine jewelry. In shape of an arched building, with, at center, a Torah ark housing a tiny Torah scroll ornament and with doors attached with hinges. Gilt silver backplate. A work of delicate, high-quality filigree in a vegetal pattern is superimposed onto this plate. A pair of standing, cast silver birds are perched on top of the two doors of the Torah ark. Border in a vegetal pattern. Suspension chain.
Height: 15 cm. Width: 13 cm. Weight: 287 g. Overall good condition. Minor warping and slight fractures to vegetal-patterned border ornamentation. Several missing pieces to filigree.
For comparison, see: Rafi Grafman, Crowning Glory: Silver Torah Ornaments of the Jewish Museum, New York, 1996, nos. 183-184.
