Rare Swedish parcel-gilt silver Torah shield, Jonas Anders Gothilander, Stockholm, 1789

the arched panel engraved with the tablets of the law headed by a chased shell and enclosed by spiral columns topped by crowned lions rampant supporting a gilt crown, the base with compartments for portion plaques, engraved with Hebrew inscriptions and hung with a later crescent-shaped shield, also inscribed, originally set with stones now missing, marked on base. 

Numerous repairs and reinforcements on back, as noted re stones.
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.

The inscriptions read, translated “This is my donation to the Hevra Kadisha and in honor of Rabbi Hirsh and Rabbi Abraham, officers of the Hevra Kadisha and  I presented it on Sunday the 9th of Shevat (5)574 = 30th Jan 1814, Zussman the son of Moses Hess and in honor of my wife, the modest and pious woman, Hindel.”

In 1782 an ordinance was issued which allowed Jews to reside in Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Norrkoping. To these was added Landskrona. During the reign of Gustav III (1771-1792), the Stockholm Jews invited Levi Hirsch from Alt-Strelitz, Mecklenberg to be their rabbi. The first synagogue was located at Kopmantorget (Merchants’ Square)  but this proved too small, so they  moved to Tyska Brunn until 1870, when the large Stockholm synagogue was established at Wahrendorf Street.