Pair of Torah finials. Romania, 1926-1937.
Silver; cast and repoussé (marked); filigree; gilt.

Pair of large, heavy, solid finials. Two-tiered octagonal body, comprised of rectangular filigree panels with floral ornaments and arched windows. The lower tier, surrounded by a balcony, features eight birds resting in its windows, with bells in their beaks (birds attached with springs, allowing for movement). Coronet of filigree leaves above upper tier, with a circle of eight additional birds (holes for bells in their beaks), surmounted by a large, crown-shaped ornament with a large bell in the center. Resting on large, cylindrical, widening shafts.

Romanian silver ceremonial items are not particularly prevalent, especially those produced in Romania itself (items used in Romania were frequently produced in Austro-Hungary).
The Moldovan family collection features an identical pair of Torah finials, originating from Ukraine, which bear a dedicatory inscription dated to 1890; see: Mirror of Jewish life: a selection from the Moldovan Family Collection. Tel Aviv, Tel Aviv University, 1999, item no. 40.

Height: 37 cm. Overall good condition. Bends and several breaks to filigree. Bells lacking (primarily to lower tier).

Provenance: Estate of R. Zeev Wolf Gottlieb (1910-1983, brother-in-law of Rabbi Dr. David Moses Rosen, chief rabbi of Romania).

PLEASE NOTE: Item descriptions were shortened in translation. For further information, please refer to Hebrew text.