A modern silver presentation menorah, William Bush & Sons, Sheffield, 1960

the seven lights with reeded branches with applied girdles, the knopped stem spreading onto a stylised leaf-embellished circular base, loaded, on ebonised wood plinth applied with silver plaques engraved with presentation inscriptions

Presented to the First Lodge of England by Fred Worms in 1961

Alan Webber, First Century; B'nai B'rith First Lodge of England 1910-2010, London, 2009

Hallmarks to base and girdle are rubbed and partially legible, especially to the part marked girdle. Surface is bright and polished. Possible repair to lowest candle arm junction where menorah leans and where slight signs of verdigris. The ebonised wood base in fair 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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The B'nai B'rith is the oldest Jewish service organisation in the world, conceived by twelve Jewish immigrants in a New York café in 1843. With much of the Jewish population splintered across the world, B'nai B'rith and its subsequent Lodge network served to unite Jewish people, promote Jewish identity and facilitate advocacy and action on behalf of Jews throughout the world.

The First Lodge of England was created as a Lodge of the B'nai Brith in 1910 as a philanthropic association and support network to the wider Jewish community. The first meeting before its inauguration was held at the house of Claude Goldsmid Montefiore, the scholar and great-nephew of Sir Moses Montefiore. During the 19th century B'nai B'rith worked alongside Sir Moses to provide funds and support for Jewish relief in Palestine, funding settlements outside the walls of Jerusalem.  

This silver menorah, commissioned by Fred Worms, a senior member of the Lodge in 1960, represents the B'nai B'rith emblem and was made to celebrate its Golden Jubilee in 1960. Thereafter an award was given annually to people who had made an outstanding contribution to the community, with recipients including Lord Michael Levy, Sir Michael Rifkind, Lady Amelie Jakobovits and Lord Jonathan Sacks, the former Chief Rabbi.

The menorah is now being sold on behalf of The First Lodge England and is sold together with a copy of First Century; B'nai B'rith First Lodge of England 1910-2010, by Alan Webber.