Pair of German parcel-gilt silver Torah finials from the Den Helder Synagogue, maker's mark CB probably for Carl Bitzel, Augsburg, 1795-97

of two-tiered form, the lower portion chased with leaf tips below a band of flower heads and discs, surmounted by two pierced balconies and open work panels framed by columns and hung with bells, a crown above fitted with a gilt finial in the form of a lion holding a wreathed shield, set on staves with beaded rim and later Hebrew presentation inscription to the Den Helder Synagogue in commemoration of its 80th anniversary from Yant, daughter of Yehuda Beek, in memory of her husband, Eliezer Shlomo Kannewasser and dated 1917

Jewish Community of Den Helder, the Netherlands
Jewish Community of Amsterdam (NIHS)
Sold Sotheby's, New York, December 13, 2006, lot 106. 

One lacks two bells with some minor losses to galleries, the other lacks four bells and with led solder repairs to where bells were attached, minor losses to galleries
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.

Discussing a comparable pair of Torah finials from the Furman Collection, Susan Braunstein notes that similar examples were produced in Augsburg within the first two decades of the 19^th century. In this group, four pairs seem to have been created by Carl Bitzel.  Two are in the collection of the Jewish Museum, New York, one in the London Jewish Museum and another formerly in the Herman Davidowitz Collection (offered Parke Bernet Galleries, New York, March 16, 1967, lot 154, catalogued as maker’s mark CB, 1803).  

The first Jews settled in Den Helder around 1790 and in 1806 established their first synagogue.  An influx of Jews into the city led to the construction and consecration of a larger synagogue in 1837, to which the present lot was donated. The Jewish population of Den Helder was 322 in 1899, but had dropped to 196 by 1930.  However, in 1928 a new synagogue was built on the site of the old.  The Jews of Den Helder who remained after the Germans bombed the city in 1940 were deported and killed in 1942; the synagogue was demolished as part of the construction of German fortifications.  The Jewish Historical Museum in Amsterdam holds a laver ewer, Torah pointer, and synagogue lamp from Den Helder.