This is an exceptionally large and impressive vintage mid-century silver-plated brass/metal Havdalah spice tower (Besamim or Hadas), expertly crafted in Israel by the esteemed metalwork maker Dugma. Active during the post-independence Judaica craft boom of the 1950s through the 1970s, Dugma was renowned for producing high-quality, beautifully designed ritual objects.

This tower is designed in the classic Ashkenazi architectural spire style. It rises from a square footed plinth base decorated with embossed foliate scrolls. The lower column has a flared decorative knop that suspends four hanging brass bells. The central square spice chamber features an embossed floral motif on the side panels and a hinged, latching door that opens smoothly to receive aromatic cloves or cinnamon.

Above the chamber, the intermediate roof is guarded by four cast Lions of Judah standing at the corners. This tier supports a beautiful belfry housing an internal brass bell. The belfry roof is crowned with four soaring eagles at the corners, leading up to a tall, elegant steeple spire topped with a sphere and a waving brass flag banner.

The side of the base is clearly stamped with the maker's mark: "DUGMA / MADE IN / ISRAEL" alongside "SILVER PLATED".

A marvelous, highly decorative piece of mid-century Israeli Judaica with wonderful acoustic elements from its five internal and external bells.

Specifications

• Maker: Dugma

• Origin: Israel

• Age: Circa 1950s–1970s

• Material: Silver-plated brass and cast metal elements

• Height: Approx. 11 inches (28 cm)

• Weight: 263 grams

• Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a gorgeous, authentic light tarnish/patina that has been left unpolished to preserve its vintage character. Structurally sound, stable, and complete. One of the four bracket feet on the square base is slightly bent, causing the tower to rest primarily on three feet; however, it remains highly stable and stands proudly upright without wobble. All bells, the flag, and the hinged door are fully intact and functional.

Literature Reference

For similar architectural tower-form examples, see:

• Book Title: Towers of Spices: The Tower-Shape Tradition in Havdalah Spiceboxes

• Author: Chaya Benjamin and Marilyn Gold Koolik

• Publisher: The Israel Museum, Jerusalem, 1982

• Reference page: Page 37, Item No. 50 (illustrating the classic multi-tiered turret, bell, and flag configuration).