A Pair of Early Dutch Silver Torah Finials, Amsterdam, 1706 or 1682

of openwork baluster form, chased with scrolling acanthus and with borders of palm and acanthus on partly matted grounds, hung with three rows of bells, borders of large beads, flaming urn finials

S.J. Phillips, New Bond Street, London

as noted re one set of marks, minor repairs throughout
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 unusual pair of early Torah finials may date back to late 17th century; it is not clear from which date cycle the Amsterdam date letter hails.  The globular tower form, with bombé outline and openings for bells, is established by the late 17th century, sometimes done in filigree (see eamples of 1694 from the Dritt Shul, Amsterdam, in Gifts from the Heart, p. 116).  By the early 18th century the form had often  become more architectural, as on the 1705 examples by Pieter van Hoven (ibid., no. 12, pp. 150-51), while keeping the shaped openings for bells and the flying buttresses.

Many of the details on these finials suggest they belong to the earlier generation: the embossed foliate bands, the flame rather than crown or bud finials, the bold beading at top and bottom, and the "torn" foliate edges to the bell openings. The chased foliate decoration should be compared with that on late 17th century Dutch Hanukah lamps, such as a 1690 example from the Hague (ibid., no. 4, p. 136).  The flame finial is also a late Baroque motif, appearing on Anglo-Dutch pieces from the 1680s such as andirons and ginger jars.  Lastly, the ragged foliage around the bell openings appears on early pieces such as the pair of Dutch parcel-gilt finials, dated c. 1695, in the Jewish Museum London (JM 102, see Treasures of Jewish Heritage: The Jewish Museum London, p. 77).  The London finials represent a half-way stage between the styles - the lower tier is softer and more foliate in feel like the offered lot, while the upper tier has solidified into architectural forms.