Israeli Judaica Sterling Silver Plated Pocket Siddur Cover / Folding Travel Case
Hollowware / Decorative Object (Folding Book Case / Siddur Cover) · Likely a Mid-20th Century Israeli Silversmithing Workshop (e.g., Hazorfim, Hadad Bros, or similar Jerusalem/Tel Aviv artisan workshops), known for traditional Judaica craft.
Pattern: Jerusalem and Torah Motif Judaica Design, featuring traditional Israeli landscape and ritual iconography.
Type
Hollowware / Decorative Object (Folding Book Case / Siddur Cover)
Maker
Likely a Mid-20th Century Israeli Silversmithing Workshop (e.g., Hazorfim, Hadad Bros, or similar Jerusalem/Tel Aviv artisan workshops), known for traditional Judaica craft.
Material
Silver Plated over base metal (commonly brass, white metal, or copper alloy), with bright mirror-polished finish.
Dimensions
Estimated standard pocket prayer book size, roughly 4 x 6 inches (10 x 15 cm) when closed, weighing approximately 150-250 grams.
Description
An exquisite and intricately detailed silver-plated folding case designed to hold a pocket Siddur (Jewish prayer book). The cover features rich embossed imagery iconic to Jewish heritage and the Holy Land. The left panel showcases a detailed relief of Jerusalem architecture, including the Western Wall, bordered by small roundels depicting the symbols of the Twelve Tribes of Israel. The right panel displays the Tablets of the Law beneath a royal crown, similarly framed by the tribal symbols. The central spine incorporates a classic seven-branched Menorah and a decorative cartouche. This piece serves both a devotional purpose and as a striking decorative example of mid-century Israeli folk and ceremonial art.
Key Features
Tri-fold architectural layout, embossed depiction of Jerusalem landmarks, Ten Commandments motif, and the complete border iconography of the Twelve Tribes of Israel.
Material & Composition
Silver Plated over base metal (commonly brass, white metal, or copper alloy), with bright mirror-polished finish.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish finish with deeply embossed (repoussé-style) relief decoration depicting the Western Wall (Kotel) and Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem on the left panel, the Tablets of the Law (Ten Commandments) surmounted by a crown on the right panel, a central Menorah and cartouche on the spine, and borders containing the Twelve Tribes of Israel symbols.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Not clearly visible in the provided image, but typically marked with Israeli maker's marks, 'Made in Israel', or purity indicators like '925' or 'Jerusalem' if sterling, or 'EPNS' / silver-plated stamps.
Construction Details
Die-stamped metal panels mounted onto a structural folding metal spine with multi-hinge joints, allowing the three-panel case to fold open and closed.
Functional Features
Hinged folding mechanism designed to enclose, protect, and display a pocket-sized Jewish prayer book (Siddur) or serve as a decorative travel altar / keepsake case.
Handle & Grip Details
No handles; designed as a flat folding folio case with smooth metallic edges.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine die-stamped panels expertly finished with hand-polished highlights, joined securely via functional mechanical hinges to create a balanced, symmetrical devotional object.
Authentication Indicators
Typical manufacturing style of mid-century Israeli export Judaica, featuring characteristic die-struck relief work, Hebrew lettering style, and multi-panel hinge construction.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in Israel (specifically artistic workshops in Jerusalem or Tel Aviv), following traditional Middle Eastern and European-influenced Jewish ceremonial metalworking techniques.
Era & Period
Mid to Late 20th Century (circa 1950s-1980s), reflecting post-establishment Israeli Judaica craft traditions.
Age Estimate
Circa 1960s to 1980s based on the typical mass-export and tourist Judaica manufacturing styles of post-independence Israel.
Cultural Significance
Deeply tied to Jewish religious practice, Zionism, and the spiritual connection to Jerusalem. Such covers protect sacred texts while celebrating Jewish identity through traditional iconography like the Menorah and the Twelve Tribes.
Condition Notes
Very Good vintage condition. Surface shows minor light scratching consistent with age and handling, with bright reflective plating intact and hinges operating smoothly. No major dents or structural separations noted.
Value Estimate
Estimated market value ranges between $40 to $150 USD depending on the exact metal purity (solid silver vs. silver plate), maker attribution, and overall condition.
Care & Maintenance
Dust gently with a microfiber cloth. Use specialized silver-plated care polishes sparingly to avoid wearing through the thin silver layer. Store in a dry environment away from high humidity.
Similar Pieces
Israeli silver-plated Esrog boxes, Sabbath candlesticks, Kiddush cups, and decorative Torah pointer (Yad) cases from makers like Hazorfim or Tdahar.
Interesting Facts
Items of this nature became extremely popular as souvenirs and bar mitzvah gifts following the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, helping to foster a thriving local decorative arts industry.