Esther scroll housed in a decorated silver case. [Poland, ca. mid-19th century].

Silver, cast and engraved (marked with fineness mark “12”); filigree; parcel-gilt; glass and gemstone insets; ink on parchment.

“HaMelekh” Esther scroll (most columns begin with the word HaMelekh), written on four parchment sheets sewn one to the other; 17 text columns, 22 lines per column, with tagin on designated letters.

Housed in a large cylindrical parcel-gilt silver case, wrapped in two wide bands of openwork silver filigree in geometric and vegetal designs, set with colorful glass stones and turquoise cabochons. The case is topped with a silver crown and additional vegetal ornamentation. A rectangular silver pull-bar with a twisted silver strap is sewn to the beginning of the first sheet.

Parchment height: 20.5 cm. Overall good condition. Minor staining, creases and wear, mostly to the first sheet. Case height (including handle): 44 cm. Overall good condition. Minor blemishes and bends; gilding worn. Placed in a later cylindrical cardboard case covered in fabric.