{"product_id":"rare-antique-warsaw-russian-empire-silver-torah-pointer-yad-with-integrated-besamim-spice-box-hallmarked-1878-by-assayer-josef-sosnkowski-oc-84-zolotniki-warsaw-horse-head-mark","title":"Rare Museum Quality Antique Warsaw Russian Empire Silver Torah Pointer (Yad) with Integrated Besamim Spice Box, Hallmarked 1878 by Assayer Josef Sosnkowski (OC), 84 Zolotniki, Warsaw Horse Head Mark","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis exceptional and rare 19th-century Judaica artifact is a multifunctional Torah pointer (Yad) combined with a Havdalah Besamim spice holder. Crafted in solid silver, it measures just over 12 inches (31 cm) in length and weighs 3.3 ounces (93.5 grams). The slender shaft tapers to a finely detailed pointing hand at one end, complete with an ornate cuff, allowing the reader to follow the Torah text without touching the parchment.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe opposite end features a hinged rectangular compartment that opens to serve as a Besamim spice box, with a perforated lid releasing aromatic scents during the Havdalah ceremony. The lid is crowned by a finely cast finial depicting two rampant lions flanking the Tablets of the Ten Commandments—an iconic Jewish symbol representing the Lion of Judah and divine law. A small suspension hole at the top indicates it was designed to hang from a chain attached to the Torah scroll when not in use.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMidway along the shaft, an oval cabochon gemstone in a soft turquoise\/teal color (likely turquoise or similar) is set within a twisted rope border, flanked by engraved Hebrew letters Alef (א) above and Lamed (ל) below—together spelling \"El,\" one of the biblical names for God.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe piece showcases masterful silver work, floral motifs, and raised decorative elements throughout, reflecting the high craftsmanship of Warsaw's Jewish silversmiths during the Russian Imperial era.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eHallmarks on the shaft include:\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli aria-level=\"1\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"84\" (84 zolotniki silver purity, equivalent to 875\/1000 fineness)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli aria-level=\"1\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"OC 1878\" (assayer Josef Sosnkowski with date)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli aria-level=\"1\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOval lozenge with Warsaw city mark (horse head)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli aria-level=\"1\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSquare mark with single-headed eagle (likely a Polish emblem or levy mark under Russian administration)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eItem Specifics:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWarsaw, Russian Empire (Congress Poland \/ modern-day Poland), 1878. Produced in the renowned Warsaw silver workshops, a major center for Jewish ritual silver within the Pale of Settlement under Tsarist rule.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAge\u003c\/strong\u003e: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePrecisely dated 1878 (hallmarked \"OC 1878\" by Warsaw assayer Josef Sosnkowski). Late Imperial Russian period, during the reign of Tsar Alexander II, before the 1899 hallmark reform.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial\u003c\/strong\u003e: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSolid silver, 84 zolotniki (875\/1000 purity, comparable to sterling silver). Accented with a turquoise\/teal cabochon gemstone and intricate cast\/filigree details. No gilding or additional precious stones noted.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVery good antique condition consistent with age (over 145 years). Natural even patina with minor surface scratches and light tarnish from handling. All elements intact: hinge functions smoothly, pointing hand undamaged, lions and tablets crisp, gemstone secure without cracks. Hallmarks legible though showing expected wear. No dents, breaks, or repairs visible. An attractive, well-preserved example ready for display or gentle ceremonial use.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eItem dimensions\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cem\u003e:\u003c\/em\u003e 12.5\" tall × 1.75\" largest diameter\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eWeight of item\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e: 3.3 oz\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Light and Legacy","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42603260444715,"sku":"346","price":3600.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0614\/5379\/5371\/files\/20251218_170053.jpg?v=1766462598","url":"https:\/\/thelightandlegacy.com\/products\/rare-antique-warsaw-russian-empire-silver-torah-pointer-yad-with-integrated-besamim-spice-box-hallmarked-1878-by-assayer-josef-sosnkowski-oc-84-zolotniki-warsaw-horse-head-mark","provider":"Light and Legacy","version":"1.0","type":"link"}