AN IMPORTANT BRASS AND BRONZE SYNAGOGUE CHARITY BOX. Alsace, early 19th century.

A sphere, supported by four reeded legs with paw feet, the whole mounted on a quatrefoil base with central dome and ball, standing on four ball feet; the sphere bears equatorial band with reeded edges, and bosses bearing carrying rings at either side. It is surmounted by a life-like three-dimensional cast bronze hand with brass bracelet and coin slot. The Hebrew expression, “Charity Saves from Death,” is appliqued across the front. Includes hinged, locked door at bottom of sphere for collection, accompanied by working key. H: 470mm. Although there appears to be a slight variation between two Hebrew letters (Tav), the letters are all contemporaneous.

Although small Jewish communities in the villages of Alsace thrived until World War II, the changing demographics of the region led to the closing of many synagogues. As a consequence, examples of devotional objects formerly confined to local sites have become dispersed. It is interesting to note the aesthetic details of this eminently practical charity-box, for even the door to the coin compartment, barely visible due to its location, is finely decorated. Another Alsatian charity container topped with a three-dimensional hand outstreched palm is recorded in: Israel Museum Catalogue, “The Jews of Alsace” (1991), pp. 14, 54 SEE ILLUSTRATION