This exquisite antique Torah pointer, known as a Yad (Hebrew for "hand"), is a ritual object used in Jewish synagogue services to follow the text of the Torah scroll without direct contact. Crafted from solid 84 zolotnik silver, it features a tapered cylindrical shaft with twisted rope-like detailing and bulbous knops for ergonomic handling. The pointing end terminates in a finely sculpted hand with an extended index finger, symbolizing guidance and reverence.
Decorative highlights include two cast silver figurines of musicians: one playing a drum (possibly representing celebratory or Levite temple music) and the other bowing a cello or double bass, evoking themes of praise and harmony from Psalms or Jewish liturgical traditions. The handle end is adorned with a polished green cabochon gemstone, set in a twisted border, adding a touch of color and elegance. The overall design reflects Rococo influences prevalent in late 18th-century Russian silverwork, with intricate casting and a solid, weighty feel that distinguishes it from lighter modern reproductions.
The piece shows skilled handcrafting, including soldered joints and engraved details. Its solid construction contributes to the substantial weight, making it feel more robust than typical yads.
Material
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Primary: 84 Zolotnik silver (equivalent to 875/1000 purity, standard for Russian Imperial silver)
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Accent: Green cabochon gemstone, likely jade or chrysoprase based on its translucent olive-green hue with subtle inclusions
Origin: Moscow, Russia (indicated by the city hallmark resembling St. George slaying the dragon, a common mark for Moscow silver during the Imperial era)
Age: Dated 1798, based on the engraved hallmark. This places it in the late 18th century, during the reign of Tsar Paul I, a period when the 84 zolotnik standard became the legal minimum for silver purity in Russia, replacing the earlier 72 zolotnik.
Hallmarks Identification
The hallmarks are stamped on the shaft and appear in the following order from left to right (based on close examination of the provided images and comparison to historical Russian silver standards):
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Maker's mark: "КИ" (Cyrillic for K.I., likely the initials of the silversmith, possibly Kirill Ivanov or a similar artisan active in Moscow during the late 18th century; exact attribution requires further expert verification but common for Jewish silversmiths in the Pale of Settlement)
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Assayer's mark and date: "А.И" (Cyrillic for A.I., likely Aleksey Ivanov or Andrey Ivanov, a known Moscow assayer around 1798) above "1798" (the year of assay)
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Purity mark: "84" (indicating 84 zolotniks, or 875/1000 silver fineness)
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City mark: Circular stamp depicting a figure, interpreted as St. George on horseback slaying a dragon (Moscow's emblem; appears slightly worn, resembling an animal head or rider due to age and patina, but consistent with documented Moscow marks from the era)
These hallmarks confirm authenticity as Imperial Russian silver, crafted in a region with a significant Jewish community where such Judaica items were produced.
Condition: Excellent antique condition for its age (over 225 years old). Exhibits natural patina, minor surface scratches, and light oxidation consistent with historical use. No major dents, breaks, or repairs noted; the gemstone is securely set with no chips. Some wear on the hallmarks and figurines from handling, but all details remain highly legible and intact.
Item dimensions: 11.75" long x 1.5" at widest diameter
Weight of item only: 3.9 oz (111 g)
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