Object Description
Sterling silver antique Judaica Torah breast plate, Late 19th Century
Continental, 1882
Height 34cm, width 26cm, depth 5cm
This wonderful piece of antique Judaica is a large, exceptionally fine sterling silver Torah breast plate, or shield, made in Continental Europe, most likely in Germany, and dates to 1882. Tall, slim, and upright, inside a large scrolling foliate border with clam-shell finials to top and bottom, it features a large crown in the centre to surmount, with a pair of pillars either side of central engraved opening panel inscribed with the ten commandments in Hebrew.
Pieces such as these are used to display and hold the Jewish Torah in between reading, and often come with a plaque for the particular Holy festival or day – as this piece does for Passover – and an engraved dedication for an individual or synagogue, as this piece does. Of particular note is the central panel, which opens up to reveal a miniature Torah model. An elegant piece of antique silverware and Judaica, this piece will be of keen interest to those with a love of items of religious history, and those with an eye for fine antique silverware.