Late 19th Century Judaica Silver Plated Bronze Ner Tamid Synagogue Memorial Hanging Lamp Frame
$600.00 USD

An authentic late 19th-century silver-plated brass/bronze Judaic hanging memorial lamp frame (Ner Tamid / Eternal Light). Constructed with an upper pierced Star of David roundel crest with beaded edging, suspended by figure-eight and standard link chains to a central circular collar and lower tray housing.

The upper collar features hand-engraved Hebrew memorial inscriptions surrounding the outer rim:

  • למנוחת הנפטר (L'menuchat HaNiftar - "For the repose of the deceased")

  • תנצבה (T.N.TZ.B.H. - "May his/her soul be bound up in the bond of life")

  • שנת (Shenat - "Year of...")

The base tier exhibits an openwork Star of David geometric floor designed to hold an inserted glass oil cup or sanctuary lamp vessel.

  • Origin: Eastern Europe (likely Austro-Hungarian Empire or Pale of Settlement) or Ottoman Jewish Communities.

  • Age: Late 19th Century (c. 1880–1900).

  • Material: Silver-plated cast bronze/brass.

  • Dimensions: 26.75" Total Extended Height; Crest width ~7.5"; Outer Ring Diameter 8".

  • Weight: 1 lb 13.5 oz.

  • Condition: Good antique condition overall. Displays heavy, authentic age-appropriate patina, silver loss exposing warm underlying bronze/brass tones, minor surface oxidation, and light wear to link connections. Original glass oil insert is absent.

Forensic Physical & Structural Analysis

  • Method of Manufacture & Joinery: Bench-crafted construction using late 19th-century techniques. The inner wall of the collar features hand-folded brass tab joints (fold-over tabs) and hand-chiseled cutouts rather than uniform die-punched or machine-milled edges. Minor asymmetry in the pierced base grid confirms authentic artisan bench-work.

  • Metal Composition & Electroplating: The primary substrate is a cast leaded brass/bronze alloy covered with an early commercial electroplated silver layer. The silver surface shows natural charcoal tarnish and rub-wear patterns across high-friction areas, exposing the warm yellow brass underneath.

  • Epigraphy & Engraving: The Hebrew text is executed via hand-chiseling with double-line engraving marks. The word שנת (Shenat — "Year of...") lacks a date following it, indicating this piece was pre-crafted by a brasssmith or workshop for inventory and intended to be customized upon purchase by a congregational donor.

  • Suspension & Components: The serpentine/S-scroll side hook arms display surface pitting characteristic of traditional sand casting. The suspension chains consist of individually hand-bent wire links rather than modern machine-stamped or welded links.

Authenticity Assessment This piece exhibits all hallmark indicators of authentic late 19th-century ceremonial metalwork. The combination of sand-cast side scroll arms, hand-folded mechanical tab joins, hand-bent chain links, and double-line chiseled epigraphy confirms age and craftsmanship consistent with the late Victorian era. The electroplated silver wear gradients reflect decades of genuine sanctuary use and natural chemical oxidation from oil/candle exposure.

Reference

  • Book Reference: Jewish Ceremonial Art and Religious Observance, by Abram Kanof (Harry N. Abrams, Inc., Publishers), See Chapter IV: "The Synagogue and Its Appurtenances," pp. 95–108 for discussions on the iconography, structural suspension forms, and traditional memorial inscriptions (Ner Tamid fixtures) of Central and Eastern European Jewish communities.

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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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Late 19th Century Judaica Silver Plated Bronze Ner Tamid Synagogue Memorial Hanging Lamp Frame
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  • Late 19th Century Judaica Silver Plated Bronze Ner Tamid Synagogue Memorial Hanging Lamp Frame
  • Late 19th Century Judaica Silver Plated Bronze Ner Tamid Synagogue Memorial Hanging Lamp Frame
  • Late 19th Century Judaica Silver Plated Bronze Ner Tamid Synagogue Memorial Hanging Lamp Frame
  • Late 19th Century Judaica Silver Plated Bronze Ner Tamid Synagogue Memorial Hanging Lamp Frame
  • Late 19th Century Judaica Silver Plated Bronze Ner Tamid Synagogue Memorial Hanging Lamp Frame
  • Late 19th Century Judaica Silver Plated Bronze Ner Tamid Synagogue Memorial Hanging Lamp Frame
  • Late 19th Century Judaica Silver Plated Bronze Ner Tamid Synagogue Memorial Hanging Lamp Frame
  • Late 19th Century Judaica Silver Plated Bronze Ner Tamid Synagogue Memorial Hanging Lamp Frame
  • Late 19th Century Judaica Silver Plated Bronze Ner Tamid Synagogue Memorial Hanging Lamp Frame
  • Late 19th Century Judaica Silver Plated Bronze Ner Tamid Synagogue Memorial Hanging Lamp Frame
  • Late 19th Century Judaica Silver Plated Bronze Ner Tamid Synagogue Memorial Hanging Lamp Frame
  • Late 19th Century Judaica Silver Plated Bronze Ner Tamid Synagogue Memorial Hanging Lamp Frame
  • Late 19th Century Judaica Silver Plated Bronze Ner Tamid Synagogue Memorial Hanging Lamp Frame
  • Late 19th Century Judaica Silver Plated Bronze Ner Tamid Synagogue Memorial Hanging Lamp Frame
  • Late 19th Century Judaica Silver Plated Bronze Ner Tamid Synagogue Memorial Hanging Lamp Frame
  • Late 19th Century Judaica Silver Plated Bronze Ner Tamid Synagogue Memorial Hanging Lamp Frame
  • Late 19th Century Judaica Silver Plated Bronze Ner Tamid Synagogue Memorial Hanging Lamp Frame
  • Late 19th Century Judaica Silver Plated Bronze Ner Tamid Synagogue Memorial Hanging Lamp Frame
  • Late 19th Century Judaica Silver Plated Bronze Ner Tamid Synagogue Memorial Hanging Lamp Frame
  • Late 19th Century Judaica Silver Plated Bronze Ner Tamid Synagogue Memorial Hanging Lamp Frame
  • Late 19th Century Judaica Silver Plated Bronze Ner Tamid Synagogue Memorial Hanging Lamp Frame
  • Late 19th Century Judaica Silver Plated Bronze Ner Tamid Synagogue Memorial Hanging Lamp Frame
  • Late 19th Century Judaica Silver Plated Bronze Ner Tamid Synagogue Memorial Hanging Lamp Frame
  • Late 19th Century Judaica Silver Plated Bronze Ner Tamid Synagogue Memorial Hanging Lamp Frame
  • Late 19th Century Judaica Silver Plated Bronze Ner Tamid Synagogue Memorial Hanging Lamp Frame
  • Late 19th Century Judaica Silver Plated Bronze Ner Tamid Synagogue Memorial Hanging Lamp Frame
  • Late 19th Century Judaica Silver Plated Bronze Ner Tamid Synagogue Memorial Hanging Lamp Frame
  • Late 19th Century Judaica Silver Plated Bronze Ner Tamid Synagogue Memorial Hanging Lamp Frame
  • Late 19th Century Judaica Silver Plated Bronze Ner Tamid Synagogue Memorial Hanging Lamp Frame
  • Late 19th Century Judaica Silver Plated Bronze Ner Tamid Synagogue Memorial Hanging Lamp Frame
  • Late 19th Century Judaica Silver Plated Bronze Ner Tamid Synagogue Memorial Hanging Lamp Frame
  • Late 19th Century Judaica Silver Plated Bronze Ner Tamid Synagogue Memorial Hanging Lamp Frame
  • Late 19th Century Judaica Silver Plated Bronze Ner Tamid Synagogue Memorial Hanging Lamp Frame
  • Late 19th Century Judaica Silver Plated Bronze Ner Tamid Synagogue Memorial Hanging Lamp Frame
  • Late 19th Century Judaica Silver Plated Bronze Ner Tamid Synagogue Memorial Hanging Lamp Frame
  • Late 19th Century Judaica Silver Plated Bronze Ner Tamid Synagogue Memorial Hanging Lamp Frame
  • Late 19th Century Judaica Silver Plated Bronze Ner Tamid Synagogue Memorial Hanging Lamp Frame
  • Late 19th Century Judaica Silver Plated Bronze Ner Tamid Synagogue Memorial Hanging Lamp Frame
  • Late 19th Century Judaica Silver Plated Bronze Ner Tamid Synagogue Memorial Hanging Lamp Frame
  • Late 19th Century Judaica Silver Plated Bronze Ner Tamid Synagogue Memorial Hanging Lamp Frame
  • Late 19th Century Judaica Silver Plated Bronze Ner Tamid Synagogue Memorial Hanging Lamp Frame
  • Late 19th Century Judaica Silver Plated Bronze Ner Tamid Synagogue Memorial Hanging Lamp Frame

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