Upright seven branched Menorah. Hungary, [1940?].
Cast bronze.
Decorated with olive branches between the Menorah arms. At the center is a memory plaque inscribed: Elhullottak Hát a hősök… 1848/49" and inscription in Hebrew: "Eich naflu giborim" (How did the mighty fall). Above the inscription is an illustration of a lion (symbol of might). The reverse side of the plate features and embossed decoration of Tablets of the Law and a Star of David. At the Menorah's base appears the inscription: "Hm. Tábori Rabbinátus" [Ministry of Defence, Military Rabbinate]
During the "Spring of Nations" in 1848, the "Hungarian Revolt" erupted in Hungary against the Austrian Imperial House that ruled Hungary. During the revolution, the revolutionists attempted to establish a self-governing state but after a number of battles with the Austrian army, assisted also by the Russian Tsar's army, the revolution was quashed. Many Jews who supported the revolutionists were killed in these battles. This menorah was made in their memory. Height: 24.5 cm.