POLISH-RUSSIAN SILVER SABBATH HANGING LAMP.

Warsaw, 1884

‘Judenstern’ of three-tier tower form, partly pierced with floral motif throughout. The top tier, a narrow spire finished with tear-drop finial, bears organic openwork among floral garlands. The middle tier, an octagonal belfry of four bells alternating with floral panels. The lower tier, a graduated octagonal story includes four small foliate panels which connect to drip-pan with short screws. The eight-channel oil reservoir with wick apertures features dense floral patterning on underside, with additional, complementary bright-cut decorative engraving. Finally, a detachable, suspended fluted drip bowl with coordinating engraving; with flame terminal. Hanging ring. Marked: Moszek Charlap. Height: 13 inches.

Silversmith Moszek Charlap was active in Warsaw 1897-1915 and produced many fine pieces of silver Judaica. A similar, though earlier, multi-tiered, tower-style Judenstern, is housed in the Skirball Museum, Los Angeles, (33.18), executed by Johann Valentin Schuler, Frankfurt, 1709-20.