SILVER TORAH POINTER USED IN LONDON Probably Germany, l9th century.

In two parts, consisting of straight tubular sections separated and topped by flattened balls with central bands; at top, loop with handmade chain; at bottom, hand with extended index finger and ruff. Engraved in English on lower section: “New Synagogue, Leadenhall Str.” No marks found. L: 240mm.

Far a very similar Yad, albeit lacking cuff, see Grafman, no. 551, p. 296 In 1761, the two existing German synagogues of London could not accomodate the growing population, and the New Synagogue was founded. Its first home, at the Bucklers’ (Bricklayers) Hall on Leadenhall Street, was above a wine cellar, prompting the couplet: ‘The spirits above are spirits Divine; the spirits below are spirits of wine.’ See P. Renton, The Lost Synagogues of London (2000) p. 44. The Congregation remained at this location until 1837