Antique Russian Silver Torah Pointer Yad With Lion Finial and Grapevine Motif, Moscow 1878

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This exquisite antique Torah pointer, known as a Yad (Hebrew for "hand"), is a fine example of 19th-century Russian Judaica … Read more This exquisite antique Torah pointer, known as a Yad (Hebrew for "hand"), is a fine example of 19th-century Russian Judaica craftsmanship. Measuring approximately 10.75 inches in length and weighing 75 grams, it features a detailed pointing hand at one end, adorned with a small red gemstone (likely a ruby or garnet) set in a ring on the index finger. The shaft is intricately decorated with twisted rope borders, a swirling grapevine motif with clusters of grapes and bulbous sections leading to a spherical base supported by three robed figures standing atop a globe-like structure. These figures, possibly representing the three biblical patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob), add a narrative element common in Jewish ceremonial art.

At the finial, a roaring lion perches atop an openwork dome, evoking the Lion of Judah, a powerful symbol in Jewish tradition. The piece bears five distinct hallmarks on the shaft, confirming its authenticity and origin. This Yad would have been used during Torah readings to follow the text without direct contact, blending functional religious purpose with ornate Victorian-era artistry.

Origin: Moscow, Russia (indicated by the St. George town mark). Made during the Imperial Russian era under the reign of Alexander II.

Maker: Marked with Cyrillic initials "А.О" (A.O in Latin), likely attributing to silversmith Aleksey Osipov or a similar artisan active in Moscow around the mid-to-late 19th century. Assayed by Viktor Savinkov (Cyrillic "В.С" or B.C in Latin), who served as Moscow assayer from 1865 to 1888.

Age: 1878 (dated in the assayer's mark alongside "В.С").

Material: .875 fine silver (84 zolotnik standard, equivalent to 875/1000 purity under the Russian Imperial system), with a red cabochon gemstone (possibly ruby or garnet) and no other materials noted.

Item dimensions: 10.75" long × 1.5" widest diameter
Weight of item: 2.6 oz (75 g) See less