Two Large Alms Boxes, Jerusalem’s "Chevrah Kadisha" – Ludwig Judah Wolpert and the New Bezalel Workshop

Two large alms boxes, belonging to the "Chevrah Kadisha" of Jerusalem, created by Ludwig (Judah) Wolpert. [Jerusalem, ca. 1940s-1950s].

Brass, shaped, cut, repoussé, and soldered; silver, cut and pierced; silver and brass rivets.

1. Rectangular box. Marked on bottom: "Wolpert" (enclosed within rectangular frame) and the Hebrew letters "bet" and "heh" (representing the logo of the New Bezalel Group [workshop]).

Soldered onto the façade in cutout Hebrew letters are the words "Chevrah Kadisha Jerusalem". At the top is a broad, elevated receptacle with a large slot at the bottom for insertion of donated coins. Soldered onto this are additional Hebrew letters making up the words "Tzedakah tatzil mi-mavet. Suspension arm, attached to back panel with brass rivets. Locking mechanism on bottom.

Maximal height: 23.5 cm. Width: 11 cm. Depth: 6 cm. Fair-good condition. Abrasions and blemishes. Warping. Open fracture to edge of back. Rough soldering work. No key.

2. Rectangular box. Marked (near bottom of side panel): "Wolpert".

Silver plate attached with rivets to the façade, bearing the inscription in pierced Hebrew letters "Chevrah Kadisha Jerusalem". At the top is a broad, elevated receptacle with a large slot at the bottom for insertion of donated coins. Soldered onto this is an additional silver plate bearing the inscription "Tzedakah tatzil mi-mavet" in pierced Hebrew letters. Two projecting suspension arms soldered onto back panel. Locking mechanism at bottom.

Maximal height: 24 cm. Width: 12 cm. Depth: 6.5 cm. Good condition. Minor fractures and blemishes. Open fractures and old soldering repairs to upper receptacle and slot. Back panel of receptacle detached. Brass rod encircling upper receptacle and slot added more recently. No key.