A SILVER DECANTER FROM A CHARITABLE SOCIETY, PROBABLY BALKAN, MID 19TH CENTURY |

with two Hebrew inscriptions, chased with a band of running foliage within ribbons, has a chain

Repairs around base.
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.

First inscription reads: "A new decanter, made with a new donation, from the Holy Society...by the two good benefactors, who labor in sanctity. The first in holiness is the man of distinction, to whom praise is befitting, the esteemed philanthropist Joseph David Aryeh, may God keep and redeem him, and his associate Sir Moses ha-Levi, may God keep and save him. In the year 1863." The second inscription reads:"Behold, in the year 1917 the Societa de Bien Hacer, today called 'Ahavah va-Hesed', may God protect it, was renewed. They bought this decanter, with a complete acquisition, from the holy distinguished [men] through the efforts of the laborers Vacion(?) ben Solomon, Jacob ben Asher ha-Levi, Michael ben Abraham Basch, 1919." A society of this name operated in Sofia in 1919, and may have acquired this decanter at that time.