19th C. Polish Bronze Sabbath Candelabrum Star of David Finial Large 18" Rare

Details

Description

A defining artifact of 19th-century Eastern European metalwork, this monumental Shabbat candelabrum represents the pinnacle of Warsaw-style bronze casting. While … Read more A defining artifact of 19th-century Eastern European metalwork, this monumental Shabbat candelabrum represents the pinnacle of Warsaw-style bronze casting. While similar forms frequently feature the Imperial Polish Eagle or standard balusters, this specimen is crowned with a bold, hand-finished Star of David (Magen David)—a rare and unapologetic symbol of ritual identity from the Pale of Settlement.

The piece is a masterclass in modular engineering. The four scrolling arms utilize a "puzzle-fit" notched socket system, a design hallmark of elite bench-made 19th-century metalware intended for both durability and portability. Its exhibition scale (18") suggests it was commissioned for a prominent home, serving as a centerpiece for the sanctity of the Sabbath.

Currently held in private reserve; serious inquiries only

Technical Specifications
Origin: Poland (Warsaw/Lublin region)

Period: Circa 1850–1880

Material: Heavyweight cast bronze with a deep, untouched chocolate-and-verdigris patina

Construction: High-tier modularity; all four arms are fully removable from the central hub

Dimensions: Standing approximately 18" tall; 6.5" diameter base

Academic References & Comparative Collections
Institutional Parallels: Comparable Polish bronze candelabra are held in the Jewish Museum in Prague and the Gross Family Collection. While the "Eagle" variant is more common, the "Star" finial is cited as a high-desirability ritual variant in catalogs of 19th-century Warsaw foundries like Fraget or Norblin (though this piece is a heavy cast bronze precursor to later silver-plate industrial models).

Literature: For typology of these forms, see Judaica by Jay Weinstein. The "notched arm" assembly is a recognized diagnostic feature for authentic 19th-century Eastern European production, distinguishing it from later 20th-century reproductions.

Item dimensions: 18.5" tall × 14" wide × 14" deep
Weight of item: 5 lb 12 oz See less