This is a museum-quality 18th-century Dutch brass Hanukkah lamp (Chanukiah) of the "Sheet Brass" variety, characterized by its exquisite hand-hammered repoussé work. The backplate features a prominent central "Heart" boss—a signature motif of Dutch Judaica from this period—surrounded by meticulously punched floral and foliate borders and openwork (pierced) accents.
The construction is indicative of mid-18th century craftsmanship (c. 1740-1780), featuring eight hand-pinched oil fonts and a side-mounted "Shamash" (servant light). Unlike later 19th-century mass-produced versions, this piece shows the irregular hammer marks and heavy-gauge brass consistent with pre-industrial hand-production.
Documented Provenance:
Attached to the reverse is a historic handwritten label that provides a clear chain of ownership and expert assessment from the early-to-mid 20th century.
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Text: "Chanukah lights, Holland - late 17th cent per Jewish Museum, NYC. Bought by Hattie Sontay Moore in Holland 1892. Given by her to [Name] Xmas 1953."
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Significance: This label confirms the item was acquired in the Netherlands over 130 years ago and was previously viewed by experts at the Jewish Museum in New York. While we attribute it to the mid-18th century, this early provenance is exceptionally rare for brass Judaica found on the open market.
SCHOLARLY REFERENCE
To verify the style and origin, this lamp aligns with the "Dutch Heart Motif" category documented here:
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Book: Five Centuries of Hanukkah Lamps from The Jewish Museum: A Catalogue Raisonné
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Author: Susan L. Braunstein
This piece was acquired during the peak of 19th-century European antique collecting and carries a historical attribution from the Jewish Museum of NYC. Similar examples can be found in the permanent collections of the Israel Museum and the Jewish Museum (NYC), where they are celebrated as quintessential examples of Dutch Jewish metalwork. It features a documented chain of custody and attribution:
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Original Manufacture: Produced in the Netherlands, early 18th century, featuring the classic Dutch "Reflector" backplate with repoussé heart and floral punchwork.
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Attribution: Identified by the Jewish Museum of New York City as a "late 17th to early 18th-century" example (referencing institutional expertise).
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Acquisition (1892): Purchased in Holland by Hattie Sonntay Moore, a known late-19th-century traveler and collector of fine arts.
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Gift Transfer (1953): Gifted by Moore to a private collection on December 25, 1953, as recorded on the artifact’s base.
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Purchased from Eldred's Auction House, Cape Cod in 2026
Museum Comparison: An nearly identical example is held in the permanent collection of The Jewish Museum, New York (Accession No. F 3553). Like the museum’s example, this piece utilizes a high-relief central heart and floral "Tulip" motifs, which were the height of Dutch fashion following the 17th-century "Tulip Mania."
Comparison Example: Hanukkah Lamp (Netherlands, 18th Century) > Museum: The Jewish Museum, New York City (Accession No. F 3553)
Historical Note: Similar Dutch sheet-brass lamps in the Jewish Museum collection are characterized by large repoussé hearts in high relief and stylized floral "tulip" motifs. These designs reflect the "Tulip Mania" and folk-art influences of the Netherlands in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The heart served as a reflective surface to amplify the light of the oil wicks.
Condition Report
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Overall: Excellent antique condition with a rich, unpolished patina.
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Structure: Hand-soldered joints are firm; the backplate shows expected minor undulations from centuries of handling.
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Surface: Beautiful oxidation and light verdigris in the recesses, highlighting the hand-punched details.
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Labels: The 19th-century provenance note is aged but remains fully legible.
Specifications
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Origin: Netherlands (Holland)
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Age: Circa 1700–1750 (Late 17th to early 18th Century)
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Material: Heavy Sheet and Cast Brass
Item dimensions: 10.5" tall × 9.5" wide × 3" deep
Weight of item only: 1 lb 12.5 oz
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Item Description and Condition Disclaimer
We take great care in researching, identifying, and describing each antique item to the best of our ability, drawing on available resources and hands-on examination. However, as dedicated enthusiasts rather than professional appraisers or certified experts, we cannot offer guarantees on authenticity, age, origin, or precise valuation. We strongly recommend that buyers perform their own due diligence, including consulting reference materials or experts, and thoroughly examine the accompanying photographs. These images are an essential component of our listing and depict the item's actual condition, including any visible flaws, wear, or imperfections consistent with its antique nature. It is the buyer's responsibility to inspect each lot and form their own assessment on condition, description and authenticity before purchasing. All items have signs of wear commensurate with age and usage. The lack of statement regarding condition does not imply that the item is in perfect condition or free from any and all defects. If you have any questions regarding the condition of the items, please ask and we will be more than happy to answer and/or provide additional photos as requested.
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