FRENCH SILVER TORAH SHIELD.

(Paris), inscribed 1878

Finely chased and wrought pear-shaped cartouche shield bordered by S-scrolls; with shell below, hung with a bell. Central engravings include a coronet at top, followed by Hebrew inscription: “A gift of Menachem son of Aaron Klaut in memory of his father, 1878.” Suspension chain. 12 x 9 inches. Housed within elaborate custom-designed leather case.

Accompanied by authentication documentation prepared by the acclaimed silver expert, the late Rafi Grafman (1939-2001): “In workmanship this Shield is very close to several similar Torah Shields made by the Parisian master silversmith Maurice Mayer (active c. 1860-70) and can be seen in the new Jewish Museum in Paris. Torah finials and a Torah Case by him are [also] on display at the the Jewish Museum in New York.”