Subject: Silverwork

Coin silver circumcision shield with a decorative design and the name "E. Rosengarten" on one side. The reverse side bears the Hebrew date "5619" (1859/60). A rare example of a mid-19th-century Jewish-American ritual object. Exhibited in "Tolerance and Identity: Jews in Early New York 1654-1825" at the Museum of the City of New York (May-December 2005), curated by Dr. Debra Waters. Also displayed at the opening of the Museum of American Jewish Heritage in Philadelphia (2010-2011) and in a Jewish history exhibit at the Museum of the City of New York (May-December 2005).

This American Coin Silver Repousse Presentation Goblet, crafted by Tifft & Whiting (active 1840-1853) of North Attleboro, MA, was presented to J. Lewin by the members of the Shiloh Lodge No. 17, I.O.B.B. in Albany, NY, on April 17, 1854. The cup features a scroll cartouche with an engraved presentation inscription: "Presented to J. Lewin, by the [illegible word] Shiloh Lodge No. 17 [illegible word, possibly I.O.B.B] Albany Apr 17th 1854". The surface of the cup is richly adorned with ornate floral and scrollwork decoration in a repoussé style, characteristic of mid-19th century silversmithing. The goblet stands 5 1/8 inches high and weighs 3.70 troy ounces.

Silver and champlevé enamel figural (bird) scent bottle with wings of carnelian that open and are inscribed in Hebrew. Under one wing is a silver lion and under the other is a piece of spice in glass. It is believed this was used for Havdalah service. Circa 1885.

Silver filigree mezuzah (2-3/4") with a hinged top and intact parchment scroll. Stamped in Hebrew with "Bezalel, Jerusalem." This piece is an early example of Bezalel art, exhibiting characteristics of the Yemenite style. A similar mezuzah sold at Sotheby's NYC Auction on December 7, 1984 (#229) for $660. The Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design, founded in 1903 by Boris Schatz, is Israel's national school of art. Its style combined Jewish, Middle Eastern, and European traditions. The school's craftsmen were often members of the Yemenite community, known for their metalwork traditions.