{"product_id":"extremely-rare-1761-signed-judaica-pewter-purim-plate-israel-ben-meir-of-bischwiller","title":"Extremely Rare 1761 Signed Judaica Pewter Purim Plate – Israel Ben Meir of Bischwiller","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor your consideration is a museum-grade 18th-century engraved pewter Purim plate (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMishloach Manot\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e) of exceptional historical importance. This plate is a primary-source document of Alsatian Jewish life, featuring a comprehensive \"wriggle-work\" (tremolostich) colophon in an extremely rare \"perfect storm\" of provenance that identifies the artisan, location, and precise date of completion.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe inscriptions are as follows:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOuter Rim:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e The traditional Purim verses from Esther 9:22: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"Sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eInner Colophon:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"I, the writer [engraver], Israel son of Meir from Bischwiller... finished Friday, Eve of the Holy Sabbath, Sivan, [5]521.\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e This corresponds to \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJune 1761\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCentral Motif:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e A masterfully executed sunburst and floral design, likely surrounding the initials of the original owner for whom the plate was commissioned, or a \"Purim\" related abbreviation (or a specific family name).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe plate was produced in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBischwiller (מבשגיל)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, Alsace. Signed Judaica from this period is remarkably scarce; the presence of the maker's name and the exact day of the week (Friday) provides a level of provenance rarely seen outside of major museum collections.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Town Identification:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e The town name engraved (מבשגיל) is \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBischwiller\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e (often spelled \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBischweiler\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e in German or \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBischwiller\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e in French), located in the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlsace region\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Historically, this area on the French-German border had a thriving Jewish community known for its unique \"Western Yiddish\" traditions and distinctive pewter-engraving styles.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Hallmarks:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e The reverse shows \"Angel\" marks (Michael the Archangel with scales). These are common on 18th-century Continental pewter (particularly from the Germanic\/Alsatian regions) to indicate the quality of the alloy. The presence of the name \"LANG\" or similar in the hallmark refers to the pewterer who cast te blank plate, while \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIsrael ben Meir\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e was the artisan who performed the \"Hebraicizing\" engraving.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOrigin, Age \u0026amp; Material\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Bischwiller, Alsace (Hebraicized as \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMebshwiller\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e in the inscription).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDate:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Sivan 5521 (June 1760).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Fine Heavy-Gauge Pewter.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHallmarks:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Reverse features \"Angel\" quality marks (Michael the Archangel with scales) and a maker’s touchmark (LANG), typical of high-quality 18th-century Rhine Valley pewter.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 10\" Diameter.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuperb antique condition. The pewter retains a soft, unpolished grey patina that serious collectors prefer. The engraving is crisp and deep. Expected light surface wear and minor knife marks consistent with ritual use over 260+ years. No cracks, pitting, or repairs.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReference Citation\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBook Title:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePewter of the Western World, 1600-1850\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Peter R. G. Hornsby\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePage Number:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Similar Alsatian engraved plates and 18th-century \"Angel\" hallmarks are discussed on pages 174–176.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNote:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e For Alsatian-specific context, see \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJewish Life in the Village and Town\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e by Freddy Raphaël and Robert Weyl.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;\"\u003eItem dimensions: 0.5\" × 10\" diameter\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;\"\u003eWeight of item only: 1 lb 4.6 oz\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;\"\u003eShipping calculated by eBay\/USPS\/UPS based on your ZIP code.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;\"\u003eItem Description and Condition Disclaimer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;\"\u003eWe 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. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAll 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. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;\"\u003eCustomer Service Commitment\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;\"\u003eWe truly value our customers and prioritize building lasting relationships through exceptional service. If you'd like additional photos or have questions about an item, we're more than happy to provide them promptly upon request. In the event of any concerns after purchase, please reach out to us as soon as possible--certainly before submitting feedback--so we can work together to resolve the matter swiftly and fairly. Our utmost focus is on customer satisfaction, and we'll do everything in our power to ensure every transaction is smooth, transparent, and positive for you.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Light and Legacy","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43968247824427,"sku":"553","price":5850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0614\/5379\/5371\/files\/20260320_170133.jpg?v=1777004039","url":"https:\/\/thelightandlegacy.com\/products\/extremely-rare-1761-signed-judaica-pewter-purim-plate-israel-ben-meir-of-bischwiller","provider":"Light and Legacy","version":"1.0","type":"link"}