Torah shield. [Romania, Moldova or the region, late 19th century].
Silver, repoussé, embossed and engraved (with standard mark "12" and unidentified maker's mark).
Rectangular Torah shield with arched upper edges. Topped by crown and birds of prey decorations fastened with screws (another bird lacking). Rich floral decorations at center of shield, with pair of pillars supporting a structure with the Tablets of Law in the center (with Ten Commandments) and a Torah scroll decoration, held by a pair of large griffons.
Above the structure are a pair of birds of prey flanking another crown decoration. At the bottom is a pair of hissing lions supporting an oval medallion (blank) with a small sawed rectangular aperture revealing a revolving disk made to display the relevant inscription for Shabbat and holidays: Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Shmini Atzeret, Shavuot and Pesach.
Height: 24.5 cm. Width: 17.5 cm. Fair-good condition. Some fractures and cracks. Old soldering repair. Piece lacking from bottom corner. Decoration lacking from top. Chain lacking. Bells and two bell hangers lacking.
