The covers feature ornate carved bone overlays with pierced foliate vines and a sculpted Keter Torah (Crown of the Law) at the top, mounted over deep red/burgundy velvet panels. The center features a raised brass relief of the Luchot HaBrit (Ten Commandments) inscribed in Roman numerals/Hebrew figures, framed within a molded brass architectural border.

Item Specifics

Origin: Vienna, Austria (Austro-Hungarian Empire)

Age: 1893 (Hebrew Year 5653)

Publisher: Jos. Schlesinger, I. Seitenstettengasse 5, Vienna

Material: Carved natural bone, burgundy velvet, brass framing and appliques, paper, cloth/velvet spine backings.

Dimensions: Approx. 5" x 7.5" (each volume)

Condition Report

• Volume I (Rosh Hashanah): Binding/covers remain sturdy and intact. Bone overlay, velvet, and brass elements are fully intact with light patination. Missing the main title page. Internal pages show light age-toning and handling wear, but overall text block remains largely intact and readable.

• Volume II (Yom Kippur): Title page intact and clear (1893 / 5653). Cover retains bone, velvet, and brass elements, but shows significant structural wear: spine fabric/velvet binding has frayed and separated from the text block, and multiple interior pages are torn, detached, or fragmented as shown in photographs.

Authenticity Assessment

These volumes feature the authentic manufacturing hallmarks of luxury late 19th-century Austro-Hungarian Judaica produced by Jos. Schlesinger in Vienna. Key markers include:

• Material Character: Under close examination, the cream-colored cover panels exhibit natural grain lines and fine porosity distinct to carved bovine bone rather than celluloid or faux-ivory synthetics.

• Typographical Accuracy: The title page displays period-accurate Victorian typography alongside traditional Hebrew square script, complete with Schlesinger's historic address at I. Seitenstettengasse 5 in Vienna and the matching Hebrew date תּרנ״ג (5653 / 1893 CE).

• Construction Technique: The structural assembly uses period-correct brass pin-fastened framing, die-pressed brass appliques, and hand-fitted velvet backing over thick millboard.

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Item Description and Condition Disclaimer

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