This is a rare and poignant piece of Judaica: a hand-carved wooden Mezuzah case dating back to the WWII era. It features a hand-incised Hebrew letter Shin (ש) at the top. The case shows significant age-related wear, with a smooth, darkened patina consistent with decades of use and handling. There are small mounting holes at the top and bottom for attachment to a doorpost.

This item carries exceptional provenance, tracing back to a Jewish family who emigrated to the USA from Lodz (Litzmannstadt), Poland. Objects like this were often among the very few personal belongings refugees managed to carry with them, serving as a symbol of faith and survival.

Specifications

• Material: Hardwood (likely Oak or Fruitwood)

• Origin: Lodz (Litzmannstadt), Poland / USA (via Emigree)

• Age: Circa 1930s–1940s (WWII Era)

• Condition: Antique/Venerable. The wood shows natural weathering, rounding of the edges, and a rich, aged patina. There are no significant cracks that compromise the integrity of the piece. (Note: Listing is for the wooden case only; no scroll/klaf is included).

• Item dimensions: 4.75" tall × 1 1/8" wide × 0.5" deep; Weight of item: 0.7 oz  

The History & Provenance

This Mezuzah is more than a religious object; it is a silent witness to the resilience of faith during one of history’s darkest chapters.

The Lodz Connection The provenance of this piece traces back to Lodz, Poland (renamed Litzmannstadt during the German occupation). Lodz was home to the second-largest Jewish community in pre-war Poland and later became the site of one of the longest-standing ghettos. Under conditions of extreme scarcity, Jewish artisans often turned to wood—one of the few accessible materials—to create ritual items. The hand-carved Shin (ש) on this case reflects the "Folk Art" style common in Ghetto-made Judaica, where tools were improvised but the devotion was absolute.

A Journey of Survival This item was preserved by a Jewish emigree family who eventually settled in Sunrise, Florida. It represents a "living relic"—one of the few precious belongings carried across borders and oceans as a symbol of continuity. For a family to carry a Mezuzah case from the ruins of occupied Poland to the United States indicates its profound sentimental and spiritual importance. It has been held in a private collection since its last documented appearance in 2017.

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CERTIFICATE OF PROVENANCE

ITEM: Hand-Carved Antique Wooden Mezuzah Case ORIGIN: Lodz (Litzmannstadt), Poland ERA: World War II / Holocaust Era (c. 1930s–1940s) MATERIAL: Hand-Incised Hardwood

HISTORICAL CONTEXT

This Mezuzah case is a significant artifact of 20th-century Jewish history. Originating from the city of Lodz, Poland, it represents the "Folk Art" tradition of Judaica created under the constraints of the WWII era. The hand-carved Hebrew letter Shin (ש) serves as a testament to the preservation of faith and identity during the German occupation and the subsequent displacement of the Jewish community.

CHRONOLOGY OF OWNERSHIP

This artifact has been preserved through a documented chain of custody:

1. The Emigree Collection: Originally held by a Jewish family who emigrated from Lodz (Litzmannstadt), Poland, to the United States, eventually residing in Sunrise, Florida. It remained a cherished family heirloom, surviving the journey from pre-war Europe to the post-war American diaspora.

2. Private Acquisition: The item was acquired via public sale in the United States on February 17, 2017 (Ref: Lot #292022480693).

3. V.N. COLLECTIBLE AUCTION HOUSE: Item was cataloged and sold via V.N. Collectible (LiveAuctioneers), a specialist in European and WWII historical artifacts.

4. Current Status: Held in private collection until the date of this transfer.

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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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