An Important German parcel-gilt silver Hanukah lamp, probably Augsburg, circa 1750

raised at the front on four lion couchant feet, supporting scroll-based columns draped with floral pendants, each with two putti supporters and topped by figures of Judith, with sword and head, and David, with sling and spear, the backplate centered by a baroque cartouche surrounded by diaper and flanked by cornucopiae spilling flowers and topped by a flower-filled urn, all surmounted by two draped putti (formerly holding a shamas, now lacking), the leaf-form fonts above a shaped apron with fruit pendants, the lion rampant holding the Tablets applied probably later to backplate

Selig Meier Goldschmidt (1828-1896), Frankfurt, to his son
Meier Selig Goldschmidt (1889-1922), Frankfurt, to his daughter
Alice Goldschmidt Eismann (1896-1965), Frankfurt and London, to her son
Meier Selig Eismann, father of the consignor

repaired at top below putti, to sides of back plate above column brackets, and to wick holders, tiny split above scroll center of back plate; as noted re: servant light and probably later-applied lion, otherwise good, chasing crisp and imposing presence
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.

This lamp formed part of the collection of Selig Meier Goldschmidt, a prominent Frankfurt antiquarian and collector.  Goldschmidt was also the patron and supporter of Orthodox Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch, who moved to Frankfurt in 1851; Goldschmidt and his wife Clementine Fuld were buried next to Hirsch and his spouse.

Goldschmidt's obituary in the Frankfurter General Anzeiger, 1896, gives a sketch of the collector:

Today, after a brief illness Mr. Selig Goldschmidt, the Head of the local, highly regarded antique firm J & S Goldschmidt, passed away in the 68th year of his life.  With him, our Town has lost one of its most splendid citizens, the arts an unceasing patron, whilst the poor and suffering bemoan the passing of a benefactor who practiced charity in a lavish, in fact, princely fashion.  With superior intelligence, keen business acumen, and in conjuction with a strict sense of justice, Selig Goldschmidt succeeded to raise the business founded by him, from small beginnings to its current world-wide reputation.  Thanks to these qualities, and his highly developed understanding of art, he grew to be a confidant of the famous collector--the late Baron Mayer Carl von Rothschild as well as of various other personages of noble descent.  Year after year Mr. Goldschmidt dispersed large sums of money for the furtherance of artistic endeavours and the support of institutions with idealistic purposes.  All charitable trusts were always generously remembered by him, and his confidential donations towards humanitarian funds are virtually unmatched, even in our City, well known for its charitability.  His kindly character showed in his personal, quite exceptional participation during the annual parties, when he gave individual gifts for 400 children of the Jewish Primary School he had founded, and always remembered with generous donations.  Though personally of strictly orthodox Jewish persuasion, his charity extended to all sufferers irrespective of religion or outlook.  Everybody will grieve at his passing and the City will retain for one of its finest citizens a truly treasured memory. [from http://www.geocities.com/rcibella/seliggold.htm]

This piece and lot 45 passed from Selig Meier's collection to his son, Meier Selig (d. 1922), and then to his daughter Alice, whom married in 1919 Heinrich Eismann.  In the late 1930s, the couple emigrated to London with their son Meier Selig Eismann.  The younger Meier Selig served as a rabbi in Minnesota, then in Israel.  This piece is consigned by one of his children, having descended in the same family for over 150 years.