Torah Finials. USA, late 19th - early 20th century.
Hammered, engraved, partially gilded silver. Stamped: "BC", "84", "1890" and forged Russian silver stamps.
Decorated with plant patterns and birds holding bells in their beaks. Two rows of bells. The tops of the Torah finials are crown-like, topped by a bird.
The shape of these Torah finials is similar to those created in Russia, Ukraine and Poland beginning at the end of the 19th century. The Russian silver seals on the branches are forged. Immigrants who arrived to the USA from Eastern Europe did not recognize the "Sterling" stamps that American and English jewelers impressed on such utensils and therefore hesitated to buy them. American manufacturers who wished to acquire the faith of the customers from Eastern Europe used to add forged Russian seals to Jewish utensils. For further details, see: "50 'rimonim', selection of 'rimonim' for Torah scrolls from the collection of a European family" (catalogue of exhibit in Tel-Aviv University, Museum of Judaica, Synagogue and Center for Jewish Heritage named after Zimbalista, 1998), p. 49; and" Crowning Glory, Silver Torah Ornaments of the Jewish Museum, New York" (published by the Jewish Museum, New York, 1996), Items 355-359.
Height: 40 cm. One Torah finial is lacking a decoration at the top. Lacking bells.