Rare Antique 19th Century Moroccan Mezuzah Case Hand-Chased Brass Engravings
$550.00 USD

This museum-quality antique Mezuzah case is a rare specimen of Sephardic/Mizrahi craftsmanship from the North African diaspora. Unlike mass-produced cast-brass versions, this piece was hand-fashioned from a heavy-gauge brass sheet. It features a stunning array of hand-chased and etched iconography:

  • The Iconography: The face is dominated by a primitive seven-branched Menorah at the top, featuring distinct circular frames for oil and etched wick lines. Below it sits a Magen David (Star of David) and a pyramidal motif, followed by the Luchot HaBrit (Ten Commandments) featuring hand-etched Hebrew characters.

  • Artisanship: The borders are decorated with hand-punched "scalloped" patterns and geometric cross-hatching. The side flanges are manually rolled to hold the backplate and scroll, a hallmark of pre-industrial North African metalwork.

  • The Patina: The piece displays a rich, "chocolate" bronze aged patina. Authentic verdigris (cuprite/malachite) oxidation is present in the deeper grooves and on the interior, confirming over a century of natural aging and domestic use.

Origin: Morocco (Maghreb Region)

Age: Circa 1880–1920

Material: Heavy-Gauge Brass (Hand-Chased)

Condition: Excellent Antique Condition. The metal is structurally sound with no cracks. Includes the original sliding backplate. The surface is uncleaned, preserving its historical integrity and deep oxidation.

 

Reference Citation

To verify provenance and style, similar hand-etched Maghrebi brassware is documented in:

Book: Jewish Life in Morocco

Editor: Aviva Müller-Lancet (Israel Museum)

Reference: Page 112, Figure 4 (discussing 19th-century brass ritual objects and the "primitive" etching styles of the region).

Item dimensions: 6 1/8" tall × 1.75" wide × 3/8" in deep  

Weight of item: 2 oz  

Shipping calculated by eBay/USPS/UPS based on your ZIP code.

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.

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  • Rare Antique 19th Century Moroccan Mezuzah Case Hand-Chased Brass Engravings
  • Rare Antique 19th Century Moroccan Mezuzah Case Hand-Chased Brass Engravings
  • Rare Antique 19th Century Moroccan Mezuzah Case Hand-Chased Brass Engravings
  • Rare Antique 19th Century Moroccan Mezuzah Case Hand-Chased Brass Engravings
  • Rare Antique 19th Century Moroccan Mezuzah Case Hand-Chased Brass Engravings
  • Rare Antique 19th Century Moroccan Mezuzah Case Hand-Chased Brass Engravings
  • Rare Antique 19th Century Moroccan Mezuzah Case Hand-Chased Brass Engravings
  • Rare Antique 19th Century Moroccan Mezuzah Case Hand-Chased Brass Engravings
  • Rare Antique 19th Century Moroccan Mezuzah Case Hand-Chased Brass Engravings
  • Rare Antique 19th Century Moroccan Mezuzah Case Hand-Chased Brass Engravings
  • Rare Antique 19th Century Moroccan Mezuzah Case Hand-Chased Brass Engravings
  • Rare Antique 19th Century Moroccan Mezuzah Case Hand-Chased Brass Engravings
  • Rare Antique 19th Century Moroccan Mezuzah Case Hand-Chased Brass Engravings
  • Rare Antique 19th Century Moroccan Mezuzah Case Hand-Chased Brass Engravings
  • Rare Antique 19th Century Moroccan Mezuzah Case Hand-Chased Brass Engravings
  • Rare Antique 19th Century Moroccan Mezuzah Case Hand-Chased Brass Engravings
  • Rare Antique 19th Century Moroccan Mezuzah Case Hand-Chased Brass Engravings
  • Rare Antique 19th Century Moroccan Mezuzah Case Hand-Chased Brass Engravings
  • Rare Antique 19th Century Moroccan Mezuzah Case Hand-Chased Brass Engravings
  • Rare Antique 19th Century Moroccan Mezuzah Case Hand-Chased Brass Engravings
  • Rare Antique 19th Century Moroccan Mezuzah Case Hand-Chased Brass Engravings
  • Rare Antique 19th Century Moroccan Mezuzah Case Hand-Chased Brass Engravings
  • Rare Antique 19th Century Moroccan Mezuzah Case Hand-Chased Brass Engravings
  • Rare Antique 19th Century Moroccan Mezuzah Case Hand-Chased Brass Engravings
  • Rare Antique 19th Century Moroccan Mezuzah Case Hand-Chased Brass Engravings
  • Rare Antique 19th Century Moroccan Mezuzah Case Hand-Chased Brass Engravings
  • Rare Antique 19th Century Moroccan Mezuzah Case Hand-Chased Brass Engravings
  • Rare Antique 19th Century Moroccan Mezuzah Case Hand-Chased Brass Engravings
  • Rare Antique 19th Century Moroccan Mezuzah Case Hand-Chased Brass Engravings
  • Rare Antique 19th Century Moroccan Mezuzah Case Hand-Chased Brass Engravings
  • Rare Antique 19th Century Moroccan Mezuzah Case Hand-Chased Brass Engravings
  • Rare Antique 19th Century Moroccan Mezuzah Case Hand-Chased Brass Engravings
  • Rare Antique 19th Century Moroccan Mezuzah Case Hand-Chased Brass Engravings
  • Rare Antique 19th Century Moroccan Mezuzah Case Hand-Chased Brass Engravings

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