Asta Bidspirit | Sir Moses Montefiore – Early

Sir Moses Montefiore – Early Judaica Memorial Label, c.1885 – Portrait Portrait, “4” Denomination - An early Judaica commemorative label, stamp-like and perforated, dedicated to Sir Moses Montefiore (1784–1885), one of the most celebrated Jewish leaders and philanthropists of the 19th century. The centre features a left-facing profile portrait of Montefiore, wearing his characteristic head covering, within an oval frame surrounded by decorative foliage. Below appears the prominent inscription: “SIR MOSES MONTEFIORE” with the Denomination “4” appearing in both upper corners. This is a privately issued Cinderella / commemorative label rather than an official postage stamp.  A philatelic study of early Jewish labels illustrates this Montefiore label and notes that no examples on cover were known to the author that would permit precise dating. The author nevertheless suggests that the labels were probably issued around 1885 to commemorate Montefiore's death, and records the design as existing in at least five different colours. Montefiore died in 1885, following an extraordinary career of Jewish communal leadership and philanthropy. He was one of the pre-eminent figures of 19th-century Anglo-Jewry and became internationally renowned for his efforts on behalf of Jewish communities in the Holy Land and elsewhere. The label may therefore reasonably be regarded as an early memorial issue dating from around the time of Montefiore's death. An attractive and historically interesting piece of early Judaica ephemera combining Montefiore's portrait, stamp-like design and late 19th-century commemorative character, reflecting his exceptional place in Jewish public memory.