London, New Synagogue: An English Silver Laver Ewer and French Silver Basin, 1824-31 and Dated 1868

the ewer of helmet form with gadroon borders, engraved at front; the circular basin with beaded rim and pedestal foot, engraved presentation inscription within a buckled strap

New Synagogue, London
Sotheby's, Tel Aviv, 12 April 1996, lot 222

marks rubbed on ewer, otherwise good, nice weight; basin good 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.

The laver ewer is engraved "New Synagogue, Leadenhall Street", the basin "The gift of Louis Goldberg, Esqr., London AM 5628"

This ewer is an early 19th century copy of one by Abraham Portal, London, 1768, identically engraved and now part of the collection of the Jewish Museum, London (Treasures of Jewish Heritage, p. 86).   That piece was made shortly after the New Synagogue was established in Leadenhall Street in 1761.  This pair to it was made about 60 years later, shortly before the congregation moved in 1837 to a new building designed by John Davies in Great St. Helens Street.  The interior of this second building can be seen in a Victorian decorated table top in the Jewish Museum (ibid., p. 26).

The French silver basin now associated with the ewer was donned in 1868; just two years later the New Synagogue merged with the Great Synagogue, the Hambro Synagogue, the Central Synagogue, and the Bayswater Synagogue to form the United Synagogues, an entity which continues to this day.  The Great St. Helens Street building was reconstructed in Stamford Hill in 1915.