Up for consideration is an extraordinary 18th-century German block pewter (Bein Blockzinn) Judaica deep Seder basin. Measuring 11.25 inches in diameter, 2.75 inches deep, and weighing 2 lbs 4.7 oz (1,040 grams), this heavy, thick-walled vessel served a direct ritual function at the Passover Seder table—most notably for table hand-washing (Urchatz and Rachtzah) or presenting bulk festival elements (Karpas or Charoset).

• Origin: Germany / Central Europe

• Era / Age: 18th Century (c. 1740–1790)

• Material: Fine Quality Pewter (Bein Blockzinn)

• Dimensions: 11.25" Diameter x 2.75" Depth

• Weight: 2 lbs 4.7 oz (1,040 grams)

• Condition: Exceptional antique condition. Shows honest surface wear, light utensil marks, minor rim rimples, and authentic pinhole oxidation consistent with over 240 years of age and ceremonial holiday use. Completely unpolished with original, untouched historic patina.

• Auction Provenance: Retains its original round Christie's auction label to the underside, handwritten 466 (2) / 4-22-93. This identifies the piece from Christie's New York Sale of Important Silver, Objects of Vertu, Russian Works of Art and Judaica (April 22, 1993), where it was sold as part of a two-item lot 466.

Engraving & Hallmarks:

1. Front Rim: Fine hand-hammered wriggle-work / zig-zag engraving depicting a central crown emblem enclosing Hebrew letters "י ח" (Yud / Chet), flanked by stylized foliage / palm branches. The initials represent the owner's personal Hebrew initials (e.g., Yehuda Chaim) or the auspicious gematria value of 18 (Chai / Life) often commissioned for holiday tableware.

2. Underside: Three deeply struck circular maker's touchmarks featuring Justitia holding scales alongside a stork, clearly inscribed BEIN BLOCKZINN.

This vessel exhibits all textbook authenticity markers of genuine 18th-century Central European Judaica pewter:

• Engraving Technique: The Hebrew lettering and surrounding decorative border are executed via authentic "tremolo" or wriggle-work bright-cut engraving (a rhythmic, rocker-chisel technique characteristic of 18th-century pewter craftsmanship, impossible to replicate convincingly with modern rotary tools).

• Metalwear & Oxidation: Natural pinhole pitted oxidation, surface scratching in the basin interior from authentic historical use, and gentle rim irregularities match the soft, high-tin alloy density of genuine period block pewter.

• Touchmarks: The three Justitia "BEIN BLOCKZINN" touchmarks show crisp perimeter strike friction and natural metal displaced around the die impression, consistent with hand-hammered casting stamps of the 1700s.

• Book Title: Pewter of the Western World, 1600–1850

• Author: Peter R. G. Hornsby

• Reference Page: Page 182 (Discussion on Central European / German Justitia touchmark variations and 'Blockzinn' quality guarantees)

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