Torah crown. [Algeria or Libya], with dedication inscription dated [1845].

Silver, pierced, repoussé and engraved (unmarked).

A lengthy dedicatory inscription appears in square Sephardic script around the lower rim, sanctifying the Torah crown to the Gabay
R. Yitzchak, R. David son of R. Masoud Gian, R. David son of Shimon, R. Moshe son of R. Yitzchak Shaish, and R. Shlomo son of R. Yitzchak Moatti. Below, a second inscription appears in medium-sized Sephardic script, partially worn, seemingly naming the craftsmen,
R. Yitzchak son of Yosef Zeratt [or Tserrat] and R. Shalom Amrah [?].

Although the crown’s form resembles those produced in Libya, the family names Gian, Shaish, and Moatti are more commonly associated with neighboring Algeria, making its precise provenance uncertain.

Silversmiths bearing the name Zeratt/Tserrat are documented in Paul Eudel’s work on North African silversmithing: L'Orfèvrerie Algérienne et Tunisienne, Algiers 1902, pp. 134, 138-140.

For a similar pair of Algerian finials, see: Center for Jewish Art (CJA), item 37133. For Libyan Torah crowns, see: CJA, item 19556; Israel Museum, Jerusalem, item B23.0008 (146/084).

Height: 23.5 cm. Width: approx. 30X28 cm. Overall good condition. Several holes. Minor dents, cracks and breaks in various places, some with old soldering repairs. Slight corrosion.