A Magnificient Pair of Early English Parcel-gilt Silver Large Baroque Torah Finials, William Spackman, London, 1719, Britannia Standard

of multi baluster form embossed and chased with bands of lobes alternating with stemmed bell flowers, pierced with arches framed by chased flowerheads against matted ground, the center with a gallery of pairs of baluster columns, the upper part with two balustrades linked by beaded scroll brackets, crown and bud finials, marked on mid and upper sections with maker's mark, lion's head erased, Britannia and date letter D for 1719 

many bells lacking, others replaced, also lacking several small baluster finials, lead solder repairs to one crown, partly re-threaded, but otherwise good, chasing in crisp condition
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Early English torah finials are exceptionally rare.  Of the few surviving however, eleven pairs are recorded with the mark of Abraham de Oliveyra, who was born in Amsterdam in 1657 and relocated to London in the 1690's.  The other specialist maker was William Spackman, a gentile who followed Dutch prototypes.  Spackman was the third son of Joseph Spackman "late of Marlborough in ye county of Wiltshire."  He was apprentice to William Andrews from 27 July 1703 for eight years, and turned over on 30 April 1706 to Nathaniel Lock.  He became free on 4 November 1712, and entered his first mark as a largeworker on 1 November 1714, with the address of Lillypot Lane, where he is recorded working until 1726 (Grimwade, London Goldsmiths 1697-1837).

A pair of 1719 Torah finials by Spackman was loaned by Alan M. Mocatta, Esq. in 1958 to the Victoria & Albert Museum, London.  Another pair of Spackman Torah finials dated 1724 is in the collection of the Jewish Museum, London, and is illustrated by R.D. Barnett in the catalogue of the Museum's collection p. 27, no. 113, pl. XL.

The Great Synagogue is one of Sydney's most historic buildings, and has stood at its present location for over one-hundred-and-sixty years.  Although the current structure dates to 1844, the congregation was formally established a decade earlier on 2 November 1831, and was comprised of twenty-five free Jewish settlers.  The synagogue was first located "over Mr. Rowell's shop in George Street" and the first minister was Rev Michael Rose, who arrived on 20 May 1835.  By 1837 the congregation numbered over three-hundred adult worshippers and had out grown the George Street rooms.  A new space was leased at No. 4 Bridge Street for the price of 160 pounds a year.  The interior of the Bridge street synagogue was refurbished by Barnett Aaron Phillips, a stage carpenter who had built Australia's first stage scenery at Barnett Levey's Theatre Royal, and included an impressive Ark dating from the 1830's.  The Ark is currently on display in the A.M. Jewish Museum and is believed to be on of the earliest pieces of Australian ecclesiastical furniture.  The new synagogue also housed the first sacred Scroll in Australia, which was purchased from Rabbi Aaron Levy.  As the congregation continued to grow it was deemed necessary to build a new synagogue more suitable for the congregation's specific needs and in a more central location.  Land was purchased on York Street near the current Sydney Town Hall, and the foundation stone was laid in 1842.  The York Street synagogue was designed by James Hume in the Egyptian style, and was financed through liberal contributions made by both Jews and Christians.  The new building, which seated five hundred, was consecrated on 2 April 1844, and was described by the Illustrated Sydney News as "a place of worship which, for lavish adornment and superb finish, has no equal in the city of Sydney."  Although the York Street structure has had numerous modifications since its consecration, The Great Synagogue remains committed to its time-honored traditions and principals, stressing the importance of community, study, prayer and the preservation of Judaic culture.