Lot 27
  • 27

A French silver twelve-sided Torah case, Cardeilhac, Paris, dated 1881

Estimate
35,000 - 45,000 USD
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Description

  • marked throughout with French control marks for export and signed Cardeilhac, Paris
  • silver
  • height 22 1/4 in.
  • 57.2 cm
of substantial silver weight, in Near Eastern taste, the sides mounted with alternating pierced arched panels of Arabesque strapwork on oxidized ground, also mounted with chased Hebrew inscription, the base with further strapwork panels, the decoration applied with numerous screws and with two hinges at back

Condition

Presumably had lining, now missing; no top; hole in base rim suggests loss of clasp; a central leaf missing from one panel; small 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.

Catalogue Note

Maison Cardeilhac was founded by Antonie-Vital Cardeilhac in 1804. He traded at 14 and then 4 Rue du Roule, Paris, and specialized in silver tablewares.  Maison Cardeilhac exhibited at national and international exhibitions and received many awards, beginning with the Bronze Medal in 1823 and Silver Medals in 1827, 1834 and at the Parisian Universal Exhibition in 1867. They were ultimately honored with a Gold Medal at the 1878 Universal Exhibition which gave them international renown. After more than a century of success, the company was acquired by Christofle in 1951 who continued the Cardeilhac patterns.

The translated inscription reads "Dedicated to the memory of the pleasant and beautiful young woman Miriam Cohen, who was plucked in the spring of her youth. She flew up to the heaven to behold the honor of G-d, Torah scroll will memorialize her name. Consecrated to G-d in the month of Tammuz in 1881, May her soul be bound up in the Bond of Life."

The decorative vocabulary, marks for export, and French origin of this piece all suggest it may have been made for a North African community, such as Morocco.  It may have enclosed a traditional wooden tikh rather than been fitted for a scroll itself.