Auction 57 · Lot 334
CONTINENTAL GOLD MEGILLAH-CASE.
- Estimate
- $30,000–$50,000
- Hammer price
- $30,000
Historical auction record. Hammer prices exclude buyer’s premium and taxes.
Publication
Late 19th century
Description
The cylindrical case repoussé and chased in high relief with naturalistic flowers and swirling foliage and other rocaille ornamentation such as shell and scroll motifs, the spiraling domed top with acorn finial, the thumb-piece decorated en suite to the body, applied with central short crown for suspension, revolving handle fashioned in leaf-like flourish, terminating with pinecone knob. Unmarked. Length: 9.5 inches. * Full manuscript Esther scroll on vellum housed within.
summary
A Fine and Rare Gold Esther Scroll Case. Gold Judaica is most uncommon.
Accompanying this lot is documentation (dated August 2010) provided by the Senior Assayer of The Goldsmith’s Company Assay Office in London. The megillah-case was analyzed by Fire Assay Cupellation in order to ascertain the gold content. Two samples, free from solder contamination, were taken from the main body and end caps of the case and then analyzed for gold content. The gold results obtained were 75.25% and 75.06% respectively. This equates to a standard of 18 carat gold. The balance of the alloy was found to be approximately 16% silver and 9% copper.
For another gold megillah case, see Christie’s Amsterdam, 16th May 2000, Lot 326.