Rare 19thC Antique Polish Brass Menorah Large 22.7" 7 Branch Synagogue Knops

Details

Description

Up for offer is an impressive, museum-quality 19th-century solid brass 7-branch synagogue menorah (Menorat HaKodesh), originating from the historic Jewish … Read more Up for offer is an impressive, museum-quality 19th-century solid brass 7-branch synagogue menorah (Menorat HaKodesh), originating from the historic Jewish brass-founding centers of Poland/Eastern Europe. Standing a commanding 22.75 inches tall and weighing over 8 pounds, this candelabra exhibits substantial scale, hand-tooling, and presence.

Unusual Architectural & Biblical Detail: Distinct from standard Eastern European models, this specimen features two rare architectural collar rings adorned with raised, hand-lathe turned spherical knops (kaftorim). One ring circles the lower baluster stem directly above the flared base, while the second rings the saucer collar beneath the central shamash cup. These nodules directly evoke the biblical blueprint of the Temple Menorah outlined in Exodus 25:31–40.

Historical Provenance & Design Significance: Originating from the skilled brass-founding traditions of 19th-century Poland, this 7-branch menorah stands as a rare architectural example of Central European Jewish ceremonial metalwork. Incorporating turned baluster turnings, sweeping foliage scroll arms, and biblical knop collar rings (kaftorim), the piece offers exceptional historical presence and classical symmetry.

Curator’s Note: An magnificent centerpiece for high-end residential interiors, this 22.75-inch solid brass candelabra brings centuries of heritage, rich sculptural warmth, and dramatic silhouette to an entryway console, grand fireplace mantel, or dining setting. Its aged honey-brass patina integrates seamlessly into Traditional, Eclectic, or European-inspired curated spaces.

Construction & Craftsmanship:
Heavy sand-cast and lathe-turned solid brass components assembled over an internal central core rod.

The six ornate scrolling arms stack modularly onto fitted collar rings along the central spindle, allowing adjustment and disassembly.

Joined without modern external hardware; the lower baluster section threads directly onto internal stem threads over the core rod, confirming authentic mid-to-late 19th-century bench construction.

Specifications
Dimensions: Height: 22.75" | Width: 17.0" | Base Diameter: 6.5" | Weight: 8.2 lbs.

Origin: Poland / Eastern Europe

Age: Circa 1850–1880

Material: Solid Cast Brass

Authenticity Assessment
This menorah exhibits key physical markers consistent with authentic 19th-century Eastern European brass founding:

Joinery & Bench Tooling: The underside of the base features coarse sand-casting texture surrounding the core rod terminus. Rather than utilizing modern machine bolts or exterior hex/square nuts, the lower baluster stem anchors via direct internal threading over the center spindle—a characteristic hand-fitting method of 19th-century European metalworkers.

Modular Collar Assembly: The six scrolling arms are individual castings ending in hand-fitted square collars that stack onto corresponding sections of the central rod. Small micro-porosities from sand casting, subtle hand-chased seam lines, and minor natural asymmetry across the foliage arm curves confirm hand-poured artisan manufacturing.

Patina & Oxidation: The brass exhibits a deep olive-gold patination with natural oxidation settled in the low relief of the knops and arm joints. The finish is unpolished and free from modern chemical antiquing treatments.

Reference
Book Title: Five Centuries of Hanukkah Lamps from The Jewish Museum Collection
Author: Susan L. Braunstein
Page / Reference: See pages 142–148 (Eastern European Synagogue & Home Candelabra) for documentation of 19th-century Polish brass seven-branch candelabra featuring turned baluster stems, modular arm collars, and biblical knop (kaftor) detailing. See less