Antique European Brass Lion Menorah Rare 19th Century Hinged Oil Lamp Hanukkah Chanukiah Judaica

Details

Description

Presenting a museum-grade antique European cast brass Chanukah oil lamp, dating from the late 19th to early 20th century. Executed … Read more Presenting a museum-grade antique European cast brass Chanukah oil lamp, dating from the late 19th to early 20th century. Executed in the traditional Baroque Revival style, this heavy-walled bench menorah features an intricate openwork backplate adorned with repoussé-style scrolling foliage, roses, and a prominent floral crown. The central medallion displays the Decalogue (Ten Commandments) supported by two rampant Lions of Judah.

The masterful engineering of the piece features eight sitting lion oil fonts. Each lion has an individually hinged head that flips back to reveal an open cavity for oil filling, with extended tubular mouthpieces acting as wick spouts. A delicate brass protective chain runs across the front of the terrace. Remarkably, this piece retains both of its easily lost side gallery attachments: the bird-shaped servant light (Shamash) and a matching high-handled oil pitcher. Trace remnants of historical red pigment remain visible on the recessed textures of the lion fonts. Supported by robust, ornate cast scroll feet, this is a spectacular centerpiece for ceremonial use or premium Judaica collections.

Specifications

Origin: Germany or Eastern Europe (Poland/Austria)

Age: Circa 1880–1920 (Late 19th to Early 20th Century)

Material: Heavy Solid Cast Brass

Dimensions: Approximately 11.75" Width (at base) x 10.5" Height x 5.25" Depth (at base)

Weight: 5 lbs 5 oz (2.41 kg)

Condition: Exceptional antique condition with a rich, uncleaned golden patina and expected surface oxidation consistent with ritual oil use. Structurally complete and fully intact with all original components, including both removable side pieces. The small wire loop holding the far-left end of the decorative front chain is missing (the chain remains present and can easily be secured with a simple wire ring).

Standard Reference Literature

Book Title: Judaica: Crucial Guide to Jewish Antiques and Collectibles

Author: Jay Weinstein

Page Reference: Page 74 (For comparative analysis on late 19th-century Central European Baroque Revival brass and silver oil lamps featuring zoomorphic lion fonts and architectural backplates).

Authenticity Assessment

An exact design correlation can be established with documented German and Austrian Baroque Revival models produced between 1880 and 1920. This piece passes all critical benchmarks for period authenticity:

Manufacturing Markers: The reverse shows distinct, authentic signs of early sand-casting, manual hand-filing along the openwork edges, and period-correct threaded mounting bolts securing the fonts and feet to the base.

Material Integrity: The massive 5 lb 5 oz weight rules out flimsy modern zinc-alloy copies.

Wear & Patina: Deep, genuine oxidation, wax remnants, and oil verdigris are present in the hard-to-reach crevices of the lion wells and backplate arches.

Pigment Remnants: The faint red wash remaining on the lions matches a known historical technique where casting workshops used cold-painted pigments or jeweler's rouge highlights to accent high-relief details. It is unconditionally authentic.
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Curator's Note
A tour de force of late 19th-century European metalwork, this magnificent cast brass Hanukkah menorah exemplifies the dramatic grandeur of the Baroque Revival style. Centered by a finely detailed Decalogue flanked by rampant lions and crowned with a deeply chased floral crest, the piece balances religious significance with spectacular sculptural presence. Its most captivating design triumph relies on the eight bench-seated lions, whose hinged crowns lift up to reveal hidden oil reservoirs. Complete with its original bird-form Shamash and side filling ewer, this piece offers exceptional visual weight, rich warm tones, and an authentic historical narrative. An exquisite decorative acquisition for interior designers seeking a high-end statement piece for a curated mantelpiece, library shelving, or an eclectic tabletop vignette. See less