Splendid silver Torah pointer. Eastern Europe, 18th century or earlier
This silver Torah pointer is a work of art: cast, pierced, engraved and embossed. Marked with an 1809-1810 Austro-Hungarian customs hallmark (see TARDY p. 74), the pointer consists of two stylized, pierced and chased spherical knobs adorned with floral and animal motifs, culminating in a particularly beautiful engraved cuff. A hand extends from the cuff, and the pointing finger features a ring. Between the balls and cuff, the body of the pointer is fashioned of twisted silver wires, displaying far richer and more intricate craftsmanship than pointers of a similar genre. A suspension ring is attached to the upper knob.
It is interesting to note that the cast hand is a left hand, unlike most pointers which have a right-handed pointing finger, making it particularly rare.
Condition: Good, with minor defects.
Size: Height: 25 cm.
Weight: 127 grams
Provenance: Yechezkel Toporowitz Collection
Genazym takes this opportunity to thank Mr. William Gross from Tel Aviv for providing information about this item.
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