SILVER PRESENTATION TRAY Newcastle, 1741; Master: Isaac Cookson

On three cast feet with shell bases, tray with raised swirled rim; border and sections of rim engraved with foliate and organic decoration, between swirls; in center, engraved dedication inscription in Hebrew and English, “Presented to... Councillor Solomon Cohen... President... Hull Hebrew Congregation, May 11, 1876.” Marked on base. Diam: 330mm.

This elaborate tray was a gift from a grateful congregation to their president, who had fulfilled his “responsible duties . . . with zeal and energy.” The city of Hull, a seaport in Northeast England had a Jewish community beginning in the late 18th century. In the 19th century, Hull served as the principal port of entry from northern Europe; large numbers of Jewish immigrants created the need for a second and third synagogue. (EJ VIII:1068)