Vintage mid-20th century sterling silver-handled Challah (Shabbat) knife in beautiful original condition. The ornate cast sterling silver handle is hallmarked “925” and features a raised fish motif on both sides – a traditional Jewish symbol of blessing and abundance. Intricate chased geometric and floral designs run the length of the handle, topped by a ribbed ferrule and acorn-shaped pommel. The long stainless steel blade is clearly marked “Stainless Sheffield England,” ensuring it will never rust and remains sharp and food-safe. Total length 13.5 inches; the heavy sterling handle weighs approximately 2.5 oz of .925 silver (total weight 4 oz). Gorgeous dark, even patina that many collectors prefer – has never been over-polished. Perfect for actual Shabbat use or as a meaningful display piece in any Judaica collection. Circa 1960–1980, likely Israeli-made with English blade (a very common and sought-after combination during that era). No damage, no repairs – exactly as it left the table decades ago.

Item Details

• Blade: Marked “Stainless Sheffield England” → made in Sheffield (the historic center of English cutlery), likely 1960s–1980s production. The blade is stainless steel, so it has not rusted and is still perfectly usable/sharp.

• Handle material: Sterling silver (marked 925)

• Handle weight: Approx. 2.5 oz of sterling silver, though difficult to determine (≈ 70–75 g) – total weight 4 oz / 113 g

• Hallmarks/Engraving:

• Clear “925” stamp (British or Israeli sterling standard)

• Raised/engraved fish motif on both sides of the handle

• Ornate cast and chased decoration with geometric and floral patterns typical of mid–late 20th-century Israeli or English-made Judaica

• Age: Circa 1960–1980 (most similar pieces date to this period when Sheffield blades were commonly paired with Israeli or British sterling handles for the export market).

Origin: The combination of a Sheffield stainless blade + 925 sterling handle with Jewish iconography points to one of two origins (both common):

1. Made in Israel for export (many Israeli silversmiths in the 1960s–80s imported Sheffield blades and mounted them in their own sterling handles), or

2. Made in England specifically for the Jewish market (less common but existed).

The style, weight, and fish motif are virtually identical to pieces made by well-known Israeli makers such as Hazorfim, Nadav, or smaller Jerusalem workshops during that era.

Item dimensions: 1.25" tall × 13.5" wide × 1.25" deep  

Weight of item only: 4 oz