Two Torah Crowns – Vienna, 1861-1868 – Dedicatory Inscriptions to Synagogue of Craiova, Romania

Pair of Torah crowns. Vienna, 1861, 1868, both created by V. Mayer (possibly Vincenz Mayer), silversmith, and bearing dedicatory inscriptions to the Hebrew Congregation of Craiova, Romania.

Two Torah crowns, both crafted from cut silver, with repoussé and engraved decoration. The crowns are of closely related design, each composed of a circular or oval base surmounted by a single arch, and both adorned with vegetal motifs. Minor variations, however, can be discerned in the ornamental patterns of the two.

1. Marked with Viennese fineness mark dated 1861, and with maker’s mark, "Mayer".

Dedicatory inscription (Hebrew) engraved inside a cartouche, near the base: "Donation of distinguished members of the Holy Congregation of Craiova; made in the time of the Gabaim of the time, R. Moshe de Mayo and R. Yehudah Mordechai Ashkenazi, 5620 [1860]".

Height: 29 cm. Diameter at base: 19-19.5 cm. Overall good condition. Minor warping and distortion. Four small perforations, and fractures and old soldering repairs to arch. Two small rings soldered onto interior, near base.

2. Marked with Austro-Hungarian fineness mark in use from 1866, and with maker’s mark, "V. Mayer".

Dedicatory inscription (Hebrew) engraved on one of the decorative elements at the upper edge: "Donation of the wealthy Yitzchak son of Yosef, to the Holy Congregation of Craiova… 5628 [1868]".

Height: 28 cm. Diameter at base: 18-20 cm. Overall good condition. Minor warping and distortion. Slight fractures to arch and base.