Skinner's recent sale of Fine Judaica more than tripled the pre-sale estimate and grossed over $1.2 million. The top lot in the sale was a rare and important silver and silver gilt Synagogue Ark-form Hanukkah Lamp, originating in Brody (Galicia), and dated 1787. The Hanukkah Lamp was auctioned for $314,000. From the late 1920s through the 1940s the lamp was illustrated in numerous books, publications and articles.
"The success of this lot demonstrates that exceptional and rare material presented at auction finds a very strong bidding audience in any economy," notes Kerry Shrives, Skinner's Director of Fine Judaica, "but this is especially true in more turbulent times as people turn to tangibles as a hedge against uncertain financial markets." Shrives adds, "collectors are always in search of material that is fresh-to-the-marketplace and has great provenance. The robust prices overall at this auction reflect that sentiment."
Other lots that brought big prices include: a Russian silver Temple-form Hanukkah Lamp from Kiev estimated at $10/15,000, but sold for $189,600; a Polish silver Hanukkah Lamp from the early 19th century estimated at $12/18,000, went for $142,200; and a Polish Torah Crown, probably c. 1840, sold for $65,175 well over its $10/15,000 estimate.
Skinner's recent sale of Fine Judaica more than tripled the pre-sale estimate and grossed over $1.2 million. The top lot in the sale was a rare and important silver and silver gilt Synagogue Ark-form Hanukkah Lamp, originating in Brody (Galicia), and dated 1787. The Hanukkah Lamp was auctioned for $314,000. From the late 1920s through the 1940s the lamp was illustrated in numerous books, publications and articles.
