A German Silver-gilt Torah Shield, Johann Aloys Bernhard Siffer, Augsburg, 1815

the arched backplate with pillars topped with urns enclosing two applied columns surmounted by rampant lions supporting a crown, the center chased with a menorah above an altar enclosing the Decalogue, a portion plaque and a floral wreath at the base and inscribed in Hebrew, all surmounted by a basket overflowing with fruits and flowers, suspension chain, hung with three bells

Dr. Munio-Moshe Dubowy and his wife, Dr. Miriam Schaeffer-Gartner, Antwerp

bells possibly replaced, otherwise good condition, nice quality
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.

Dr. Dubrowy, who received his doctorate in law in Vienna was born in Tarnopol, Poland.  The only son of a religious textile merchant, he began collecting Judaica with his wife, Dr. Miriam Schaeffer-Gaertner following World War II. The two shared a desire to preserve as much as possible remnants of the once flourishing Jewish religious and artistic life in Poland. In 1947, Dr. Dubrowy and his family left Poland for Palestine and en route were detained in Belgium by the British Mandate restrictions. They remained in Antwerp for the next 35 years. The couples' common taste for the arts led to a diverse collection which included Judaica, works by Belgian artists, Daum and Galle glass and Meissen porcelain.