SILVER TORAH SHIELD Russia, 19th century.

This Tas is very similar to two others, one in the collection of the Jewish Museum (Grafman, No. 84, p. 1140) and one from the Feinberg collection (sold at Parke-Bernet, Nov. 29, 1967, lot 402). These were both made in Berlin. It is interesting to note that in the two other examples, the applique crown is set lower, so as not to obscure the canopy. This shield was possibly commissioned by a patron who had seen an example from Berlin and sketched his inspiration for a Russian silversmith.