High holiday siddur in elaborate silver binding, produced by the silversmith Johann Conrad Weiss. Nuremberg, Germany, [ca. 1726].

Print on paper; wood and leather; silver, repoussé, pierced and engraved (marked on clasps and binding with Nuremberg hallmark – the letter N – and maker's mark, the initials ICW).

Fine elaborate silver binding, pierced and decorated identically on both sides, with vegetal patterns surrounding a prominent octagonal medallion (blank); a matching medallion also appears in the center of the spine. A pair of matching buckles, decorated with flowers enclosing interlocking spherical clasps at the center.

The silversmith Johann Conrad Weiss (1670-1758) – licensed 1699 – was active in Nuremberg in the first half of the 18th century, fashioning several Judaica objects, including spice-boxes, kiddush cups, a Chanukah lamp, and a Torah shield, finials and pointer. Some of his creations are preserved in the Israel Museum and Jewish Museum of New York collections.

Book: High holiday siddur according to the Sephardic rite. Amsterdam: Naftali Hertz son of Alexander Ziskind Levi of Emden, [1726].

220 leaves (second part only). 17.5 cm. Good condition. Printed on high-quality paper, with wide margins and gilt edges. Original wooden binding, coated with red leather.

Binding: 14X18 cm. Good condition.

Provenance: Sotheby's, New York, 15 December, 2010, Lot 18.

References: Rosenberg, Der Goldschmiede Merkzeichen, III, no. 4279; Nuremberger Goldschmiedekunst, pp. 438-439.