Chanukah Lamp Stylized as Mythical Beast (Hydra) – Probably Germany, Late 19th Century

Chanukah lamp. [Probably Germany, late 19th century].

Silver, cast and engraved (shamash and base with Bamberg hallmark,

Download picture

Chanukah Lamp Stylized as Mythical Beast (Hydra) – Probably Germany, Late 19th Century

6 PHOTOS

Auction 108 Books | Letters and Manuscripts | Scrolls and Jewish Ceremonial Art

May 12, 2026

Prices Realized

Browse Sale

Chanukah Lamp Stylized as Mythical Beast (Hydra) – Probably Germany, Late 19th Century

Opening: $2,000

Sold for: $18,750

Including buyer's premium

Chanukah lamp. [Probably Germany, late 19th century].

Silver, cast and engraved (shamash and base with Bamberg hallmark, probably false, and letter "S").

Chanukah lamp, stylized as a mythical eight-headed creature, half scaled and half feathered, with a large pair of wings, standing on talons. The eight spouts, stylized as fish heads, serve as candle-holders. The shamash (removable) is stylized as the tall mast of a ship with a flag, set on the tail.

A few known Chanukah lamps in this design have been recorded. The earliest documentation is by Theodor Harburger P160/855, from a private collection in Munich ca. 1928-1930; another is documented in Jüdisches Lexikon (Berlin, 1930, s.v. Menora, vol. 4a, plate CXXIV); the same lamp is also documented by Mordechai Narkiss in Menorat HaChanukah (1939), no. 174 and p. 81 (from collection of Jewish Museum of Berlin).

Height: 26.5 cm. Maximal width: 19.5 cm. Depth: 19.5 cm. Weight: 1080 g. Good condition. Minor warping to shamash.

For comparisons, see: Sotheby's, Tel Aviv, April 1989, Lot 574; Sotheby's New York, April 29, 2013, Lot 267 (Steinhardt collection); Sotheby's, New York, June 5, 2019, Lot 152.

Ask about this lot

Chanukkah Lamps

View Details