This is an exceptional, highly rare 19th-century Eastern European bench-type Hanukkah oil lamp, boasting an exquisite provenance and the highly sought-after technical hallmarks prized by advanced Judaica collectors.

Item Details & Technical Specifications

• Type: Historic Bench-Type Hanukkah Lamp (Hanukiah)

• Country of Origin: Poland (Eastern Europe)

• Approximate Age: Circa 1850–1880 (19th Century)

• Maker: Traditional Eastern European Jewish Metal Foundry / Brass Caster (Unmarked)

• Material: Heavy, Substantial Solid Cast Brass (Early Sand-Cast Technique)

• Dimensions: Approximately 7.25'' Wide x 7'' Tall x 1.5'' Deep

• Weight: 296 Grams (10.44 oz) — Note: Highly substantial, thick casting for its compact size.

• Provenance: Sourced directly from J. Greenstein & Co. Judaica Auctioneers (The world's premier authority and expert house for authentic antique Judaica).

1. Renowned J. Greenstein & Co. Provenance

This important piece was sourced directly from J. Greenstein & Co. Judaica Auctioneers, widely recognized as the premier global authority, appraiser, and auction house for historic Jewish ritual art. Passing through such specialized hands acts as an automatic, built-in vetting process for its absolute authenticity, immediately separating this piece from the mass of modern reproductions and tourist-market brassware found online.

2. High-Quality Artisan Sand-Casting & Heavy Weight

Unlike thin, late-19th-century stamped sheet-brass pieces or flimsy souvenirs, this lamp is an early-to-mid 19th-century traditional sand-casting. Weighing an incredibly substantial 296 grams for its compact 7.25'' frame, it feels immensely solid in the hand. The ornate, high-relief backplate features a beautifully realized central Crown (symbolizing the Keter Torah or Crown of the Law) flanked by traditional scrolling foliate motifs and openwork architecture reminiscent of the lost wooden and stone synagogues of historic Poland. The underside displays the characteristic structural irregularities, hand-tooling, and deep file marks of a master 19th-century craftsman.

3. Pristine, Untouched Historic Surface

Purists and serious metalware collectors heavily penalize polished or scrubbed brass. This lamp is preserved in its ultimate, coveted state: a magnificent, deep, uncleaned, original natural bronze-gold patina. It features authentic centuries-old oxidation, faint verdigris accents in the recesses, and residual historic wax—preserving the exact physical story and character of its survival.

The front is anchored by a fixed "bench" reservoir of eight individual oil fonts, complete with distinct, early pinched spouts designed for flax or cotton wicks and olive oil (though it can easily accommodate small modern candles if preferred for display).

Condition & Patina Note

This rare lamp is offered in highly desirable, untouched "as-found" condition, retaining its magnificent, deep, original 19th-century natural bronze-gold patina, oxidation, and historical surface character. In accordance with strict cataloging standards: the upper left edge of the backplate indicates where a secondary side bracket or servant light (shamash) was historically attached. Rather than subjecting this important piece of Eastern European Jewish history to modern, destructive chemical cleaning or clumsy metal restoration, it has been left completely original—preserving the exact state in which it was sourced from the prestigious J. Greenstein & Co. Judaica auction house. A stellar, authentic display piece for an advanced collection or institutional gallery.

Reference: > For closely related examples of 18th and 19th-century Polish sand-cast brass bench lamps featuring similar crown motifs and openwork architectural styling, see:

• Book Title: The Hanukkah Lamp

• Author: Mordecai Narkiss

• Published: Jerusalem, 1939 (Bney Bezalel Publishing Co.)

• Reference Section: See Plate Series detailing Eastern European / Polish brass bench-type castings.

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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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