Auction 70 - Judaica - Books, Manuscripts, Rabbinical Letters, Ceremonial Art

Very Large Ledger - Mercy Society - Vercelli, Italy, 1901-1929

Opening: $400
Sold for: $550
Including buyer's premium
Ledger of the Mercy Society - Compagnia della Misericordia Israelitica, in Vercelli, Italy, [1901-1929].
Ledger, oblong elephant folio (49X58 cm). Printed title page. Original binding. The name of the society is lettered in gilt on the front cover. The ledger is comprised of folded leaves, which open up to nearly double the size. These leaves contain tables with printed headings, in which the details of numerous community members who passed away between 1772-1929 were filled in by hand: their names and fathers’ names, date of death and other details. The ledger is divided into Hebrew months (13 months, including the month of "VeAdar" - Adar II).
The ledger was prepared in 1901, as stated on the title page, and was then filled in with names of community members from 1772 until that time. Additional records were added later, up until 1929.
The Mercy Society served as a burial society, and the ledger records contributions donated in memory of the deceased, as well as various other pledges: lamps in the synagogue, the recital of Psalms and memorial services, synagogue torches, fasts and others.
[14] leaves. Including 13 folded leaves. Heavy stock paper. Height of binding: 49 cm. Width of binding: 58 cm. Size of leaves, unfolded: 56X85 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains, tears and wear. Damage and tears to binding and endpapers.
Italian Jewry - Manuscripts and Books
Italian Jewry - Manuscripts and Books