Montefiore and the Damascus Affair: An important English silver-gilt seven-light presentation centerpiece candelabrum, Howard & Hawksworth, Sheffield, 1835

lobed and fluted baluster form, chased with floral pendants and shellwork, engraved with presentation inscription, the detachable branches and central sconce with removable nozzles, weighted

slightly out of vertical and arms could use straightening, as noted re: one nozzle, some scractches and minor dents to base, otherwise good, impressive scale
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The inscription reads, "Presented to D.W. WIRE ESQ. to commemorate the Event of his having accompanied SIR MOSES MONTEFIORE FRS on the MIssion to the East in the YEar 5600 - 1840 and in appreciation of his valuable services, When under the Blessing of the Almighty THE FALSITY OF THE CHARGES MADE AGAINST THE JEWS OF DAMASCUS AND RHODES WAS TRIUMPHANTLY SHOWN.  The Prisoners were released from confinement the Fugitives were permitted to return to their Homes and Families and a Firman was obtained from HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY ABDUL MEDJID Proclaiming the Innocence of the accused and securing to all persons of the Jewish religion under the Turkish Dominion equal rights with their fellow subjects."

The Damascus affair was an 1840 incident where thirteen notable members of the Jewish community in Damascus were falsely accused of the ritual murder of a Christian monk. They were imprisoned and tortured, and several died as a result. The affair drew wide international attention, and Sir Moses Haim Montefiore led a delegation to Mehmet Ali, the ruler of Syria and Egypt. The negotiations in Alexandria secured the release and recognition of innocence of the nine surviving prisoners. Later in Constantinople, Montefiore persuaded Sultan Abdul Medjid I to issue a firman that ensured the rights of the Jewish minority in the Ottoman Empire.

See Ronald Florence, Blood Libel: The Damascus Affair of 1840, p.172 where Montefiore's travelling entourage is described as including "the British lawyer and alderman D. N.(sic) Wire."