A GERMAN SILVER HANUKAH LAMP

the arcaded backplate chased with a sun and crescent moon and applied with a menorah, stag, bear, two eagles, and two (?) pelicans vulning themselves, strapwork borders, the bombé base chased with foliate strapwork and fitted with a row of lamps, alterations, all raised on later stand with tall cabriole legs with paw feet and central stretcher, the stand early 19th century.

two holes in base of backplate, possibly from original wall mounting some base metal nuts, repaired split to center of base rim, some lead solder where side pieces join backplate, still impressive
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 maker's mark is not shown by Seling in Die Kunst der Augsburger Goldschmiede 1529-1868, but recalls that of his father Marx Weinold with the initials vertically arranged in an oval (no. 1671).

Marx Daniel Weinold, born 1664, master 1698 and died 1731, was responsible for many pieces of Judaica.  Three Torah shields marked M over W, as in the present example, are in the Jewish Museum, New York, cat. nos. 3, 4, 5, where the maker is called successors of Marx Weinold, allowing for the possibility that this was a workshop mark and that the other son David may also be the author, see Rafi Grafman, Crowning Glory, Silver Torah Ornaments of the Jewish Museum, New York 1996, pp. 78-81.

As the bear is not a symbolic animal in Jewish culture, the bear and stag so prominantly applied on this lamp may instead represent the name or names of the original owners; Dov (bear), Tzvi (deer) and Hirsch (stag) being common German Jewish names at the period.  Alternatively, they could represent the house-signs of families whose union was commemorated by this lamp, a practice used in expensive Frankfurt silver Judaica of this same period (see Annette Weber, "Splendid Bridal Gifts from a Sumptuous Wedding Ceremony of 1681 in the Frankfurt Judengasse" Jewish Art, vol. 19/20 (1993-94), pp. 169-179).