An authentic early-to-mid 20th century Israeli Judaica artifact: a handcrafted .935 silver Torah Pointer (Yad) from the renowned Bezalel Academy/Workshops in Jerusalem.

Featuring intricate Yemenite-style fine filigree scrollwork across the handle, this piece is centered with a bezel-set polished turquoise cabochon stone. The shaft is embellished with three decorative filigree collar bands leading to a finely cast hand pointing with an index finger.

Specifications

• Origin: Jerusalem, Palestine / Israel (Bezalel Academy / Workshops)

• Period / Age: Early to Mid-20th Century (c. 1920s–1940s)

• Material: .935 Fine Silver (Stamped) & Turquoise Cabochon

• Dimensions: 8.0" Total Length x 0.6" Wide (at Handle)

• Weight: 37.0 Grams

• Hallmarks: Stamped on reverse handle with Hebrew text "בצלאל" (Bezalel), "ירושלם" (Yerushalayim), and purity mark "935".

Condition Report

• Excellent vintage/antique condition with normal light age-appropriate patina across the silver surfaces.

• Filigree wirework is 100% complete with no broken or missing wires.

• Turquoise cabochon is securely set in its original bezel.

• Hand and pointer finger remain structurally sound with crisp detail.

• Preserves original unpolished surface tarnish.

Reference

For comparable Bezalel Judaica filigree metalwork and silver marking references, see:

• Book: Bezalel by Schatz: 1906–1929

• Author: Nurit Shilo-Cohen (Editor) / The Israel Museum, Jerusalem

• Page Reference: See discussions on silver filigree ritual objects and Yemenite filigree traditions, pp. 245–252.

Authenticity Assessment

• Marks & Stamps: The back of the handle is clearly struck with two distinct Hebrew hallmark lines and a purity stamp:

1. Top Line: בצלאל (Bezalel)

2. Middle Line: ירושלם (Yerushalayim / Jerusalem)

3. Bottom Line: 935 (indicating high-grade .935 silver content, standard for early Bezalel filigree metalwork)

• Craftsmanship & Materiality: The pointer features classic Yemenite-style fine filigree wirework intertwined on the flat flattened handle casing, anchored by a raised bezel setting holding a round turquoise cabochon. The shaft transitions into spiraled filigree collar bands leading down to a cleanly hand-cast index hand with authentic hand-carved finger articulation.

• Purity Standard: Marked .935 fine silver—a standard higher than standard .925 sterling silver, frequently utilized in early-to-mid 20th century Bezalel Workshop production.

• Conclusion: Authentic early-to-mid 20th-century Bezalel Jerusalem production.