A Most Unusual Presentation-piece Etched on Ivory. Birkath HaMazon [abbreviated Grace after Meals]. Presented to Samuel Montagu

(ANGLO-JUDAICA).

London

1880

Two rectangular ivory “leaves” with calf central hinge. Upper cover etched “S.M. London” with micrographic Hebrew lettering wthin the letters and the full-stops: Within the letter S: “Mah she-achalnu yehi lesovah... u-mah she-hotharnu yehi li-beracha" ("What we have eaten may it be for satisfaction and abundance... and what we have left may be for a blessing.") Similar phraeology wtihin the letter M: "Ka-kathuv ve-achalta ve-savata u-berachta." Within the two full-stops is found the name: "Samuel Montegu." All six edges etched with micrographic verses pertaining to the giving of charity, as well as enigmatic Hebrew verses such as "Woe to people who see, but do not know what they see."

Samuel Montagu (1832-1911) was a prominent banker and philanthropist, he also served as Member of Parliament for Whitechapel and became ennobled as the first Lord Swaythling. This unusual Birkath HaMazon was presented to him either as an expression of gratitude or in anticipation of his munificence. The artist, Asher Baer, about whom nothing is as yet known, states he created this piece of artistry, “Be’Arpelei London” (in foggy London), in the month of Shevat, 1880 Provenance: The late Rabbi Louis Jacobs, London. Given to Rabbi Jacobs by Brian Montague (a member of Rabbi Jacobs’ Synagogue), who was the son of Gerald Montague, who was in turn the son of Samuel Montague (Baron Swaythling)