Chanukah lamp. Austro-Hungary, [late 19th century or early 20th century].
Silver (stamped, manufacturer's stamp: S.H), engraved, cut and etched.
The back panel is rectangular and arched. The Two Tablets of Law inside an elongated shell topped by a Torah crown adorn the center of the panel. Two lions appear in two corners of the rectangle, holding a floral braid in their front paws which is spread across the entire width of the back panel. The shamash is inserted at the top right of the panel. The row of oil fonts is raised, mounted on a rod with a handle for removing. This rod is inserted into the base of the menorah and stands on four feet. Vegetal-patterned grates flank the row of oil fonts at both sides. Enclosed are eight covers for the oil fonts.
This Chanukah menorah belonged to Rebbe Avraham Brandwein of Stretin, son of Rebbe Uri Brandwein of Yezupil (Azipoli). Served as rebbe in Piatra Neamţ, Romania, and was very active during the Holocaust in assisting refugees who arrived from Poland. After the Holocaust he immigrated to Haifa, where he established his Beit Midrash. Died in 1973.
Height: 21.5 cm. Width: 21 cm. Good condition. Stains. Dents. Soldering repairs. The row of oil fonts was soldered to the menorah.
Enclosed is an authorization attesting that the menorah was received as a gift from his daughter the Rebbetzin.