Estimated Price:

$40,000 - $50,000

Realised Price:

$18,500

What is this symbol? This symbol indicates that this auction house has NOT verified this price result.

anukah lamp. Bronze. Italy - Florence, 16th century, c. 1580.Eight oil containers, with the shamash. Tall backplate. Large impressive Fleur-de-Lis floral emblem at center. The symbol of the Florence, Italy government. Two bronze columns at the sides of the backplate. Straight 'beam' on top of the columns, forming a ceiling. A wide arch extends from this ceiling. Impressive star at the top of the arch. The 'beam' is attached to the backplate with two bronze nails [missing one nail]. An identical model can be found in the Cecil Roth collection, where it is dated to the 16th century.The collection of Chanuka menorahs in the Encyclopedia Judaica - English - Volume 7, p. 1303, features a photograph of this lamp from the Cecil Roth collection. It is listed as the most antique menorah. This is an additional copy of this antique lamp.We are of the opinion that the hook at the top of the lamp has been changed over the years. All other pieces, without exception, are original from the era. On the back of the backplate there are cracks in the connection between the oil containers and the backplate.The lamp was owned by an Itailan Jewish family. The head of the family was a member of the diplomatic staff of the Vatican in the 1950-60s. The lamp was purchased in Arenzo, near Florence during the time that he served at this post.Perusal of tens of catalogues from various exhibitions have uncovered that complete chanuka lamps from the 17th century, and certainly from the 16th century, are extremely uncommon. This is an impressive museum-quality, menorah from the 16th century.