This exceptional antique Jewish ritual vessel (Netilat Yadayim) was crafted in late 19th-century Imperial Russia (circa 1880–1910) and is a superb testament to Eastern European Judaica metalwork.

Hand-forged from heavy-gauge copper, this vessel features a traditional tapered cylindrical body with a flared, hand-rolled rim. While two-handled washing cups are more common, this rare variant features three heavy-gauge, hand-riveted copper strap handles distributed evenly around the body. This specific configuration allowed multiple handlers to perform the ritual purification of hands without touching the clean hand to an unwashed surface.

Of significant historical interest are the multiple rough, circular riveted attachment points on the underside. These structural elements strongly indicate that the cup was originally fixed to a permanent stand, pedestal basin, or water dispenser system—highly typical of communal hand-washing stations installed in historic Eastern European synagogues.

The metal is completely unpolished, retaining its highly desirable, original historical patina with gorgeous dark oxidation, localized verdigris, and genuine tool marks from its hand-hammered creation.

Item Specifications

• Object Type: Netilat Yadayim (Jewish Ritual Hand Washing Cup / Laver)

• Material: Solid Copper (Body and Handles) with Hand-Pounded Copper Rivets

• Origin: Moscow, Russian Empire (Pre-Revolutionary)

• Est. Date of Manufacture: Circa 1880–1910

• Height: Approximately 6 inches (15.2 cm)

• Top Rim Diameter: Approximately 5.5 inches (14.0 cm)

• Weight: 1 lb 3.5 oz (553 g)

• Interior Finish: Traces of historical tin lining visible inside the basin

Hallmark Identification

The underside of the vessel features a deeply stamped, circular maker’s mark. In the center is the Imperial Russian Double-Headed Eagle, representing official guild standards or imperial patronage prior to the 1917 Revolution. Wrapping around the eagle is the pre-revolutionary Cyrillic inscription:

"ФАБРИКА ВЪ МОСКВѢ" (Factory in Moscow)

The use of the archaic orthography (specifically the letters "ъ" and "ѣ") firmly dates this piece to the late Tsarist era.

Synagogue Provenance & Rivet Details

The bottom of the basin features multiple hand-formed copper rivets placed around the maker's stamp. These rivets show shearing and structural integration that suggest the vessel was historically mounted onto a stone, wooden, or metal base. Such fixtures were commonly used in historic synagogue entryways (pulvin) or communal courtyards to secure heavy copper basins near the ritual water sources.

Condition Report

• Overall: Very Good antique condition, retaining its magnificent, undisturbed dark copper patina.

• Wear: Showcases authentic, age-appropriate surface wear, minor shallow indentations, and oxidation consistent with decades of ritual use.

• Patina: Beautiful untouched verdigris and deep brown-red copper tones. The original patina remains completely unaltered.

• Structural Integrity: Sturdy and solid; all three handles are securely riveted with no loose movement. The base contains old, filled rivet holes from its historical mounting system.

• Reference: For similar Eastern European metal ritual forms and construction styles, please refer to:

• Book Title: A Collector's Guide to Judaica

• Author: Jay Weinstein

• Page Number: Page 185, reference plate featuring historic Eastern European washing-cups and brass/copper ceremonial wares.

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