SILVER COMPENDIUM FOR HAVDALAH. Germany, last quarter 19th century.

On domed round base with two lips, one gadrooned, small step supports urn form shaft which bears square section with drawer, topped by four vertical rope trimmed poles, each with cast swirl ornament at base and cast acorn finial at top. In center of upper surface of square, candle pick on domed base. Embossed putti and floral motifs on base, cast lions' heads and embossed fruit forms on urn, cut out and applique leaves on square section. Marked within sectioned drawer. H: 280mm.

According to Rafi Grafman, "This fine, handsome piece… part and parcel of the general "Historismus" movement in Germany in the 19th century. Its’ workmanship is of a higher standard than is usually seen…" The marks are pseudo-marks, which were acceptable to those who wished to pay homage to earlier styles. In discussing another example of this trend, Professor Grafman further states…"they are tainted by the presence of false hallmarks… The revival of long-past styles … are practices well-rooted in antiquity. In the realm of Judaica, where archaism is often the rule, such nostalgic tendencies are rife." See "Crowning Glory," no. 26, p. 91. "This problematic practice is found on… pewter as well…” See Hanns-Ulrich Haedeke, Nachahmunger von altern Zinn zu Arbeiten der Firma August Weygang in der Art des Historismus, in: Kunst & Antiquitaten, Zeitschrift fur Kunstfreunde, Sammler und Museen II/1977, pp. 45-55; III/1997, p. 45-50.