An important Italian parcel-gilt silver large Torah crown, Venice, early 18th century

boldly embossed with baroque foliage, fruit and flowers, applied with five urns of flowers within recesses with cut-sheet petals, between cartouches and emblems of the Ark of the Covenant, Priest's hat, hands of Cohen, priestly garment, and flaming altar, base band with cartouches, all on matted grounds, marked near base with Venice city mark twice and assay master's mark ZC with tower between twice, the interior fitted with a later bar centered by a ring. 

Some losses to the top rim and to the petals of the flowers, some holes suggesting loss in further applied ornament
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 crown relates to the Italian crown in the collection of Michael and Judy Steinhardt, sold Sotheby's New York, 29th April 2013, now in a museum collection. The latter crown was of exceptional size and probably of slightly later date then the current example.

A similar Torah crown, Venice, 1752 from the Communita Israelitica, Florence is described and illustrated in Vivian B. Mann, Gardens and Ghettos, p. 123 and also illustrated on the front of the dust jacket.