SILVER TORAH CROWN American, 1882

Interior of base has two rings which slide on rods, to fit over staves. Circlet base, from which rise seven ribs alternating with embossed petals. The ribs and base ring consist of two layers, the outer layer cut out in floral and swirl motifs; the pierced layer is attached to the inner layer with screws topped by rosettes. The ribs rise to support the central, broad, stepped, gilt element which in turn is topped by cast serpents with pendant bells, which support the upper, six-ribbed, chased crown with floral gilt element and central ball topped by cast bird. Above the ribs, on the central section, seven flowers on vertical stiff stems. Bells pendant from top crown and petals of top floral element. The Hebrew inscription, engraved in a medallion and on the lower section of the base, lists the names of four women who donated this crown to their synagogue: “Bonya, daughter of R. Yechiel Michael; Esther Fayga, daughter of R. Menachem Nachum; Chaya, daughter of Yechiel Michael (probably a sister of Bonya), and the late Esther, daughter of R. Simon.” Marked: “1882/84” and “Sterling”. H: 430mm. Three rosettes lacking; there may have been bells pendant between ribs of lower crown; previous repairs.

This crown bears marks of two countries; one is probably Polish, and the other, American. In many similar cases, the silversmiths brought along their marking tools when they emigrated to the United States, and used both marks on their work. See Grafman, Crowning Glory no. 493