TWO SILVER TORAH SHIELDS, ONE maker's mark M.J.G., Birmingham, the other Jacob Rosenzweig for Rosenzweig, Taitelbaum & Co, London, Respectively 1879 and 1912

both applied in Hebrew with the Decalogue, the reverse of the first engraved with an inscription, the front of the second similarly engraved in Hebrew and English

Hallmarks generally good 1879 - good condition apart from some crushing and missing elements to the crown; small applied frame below a little bent, chain broken 1912 - good condition apart from a missing nut from the small applied frame below
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The inscription on the 1879 example reads: 'Presented to the Manchester Hebrew Congregation by Rose Wolfson and the Messrs Shoeps Bros. In Affectionate Remembrance of their Beloved Husband & Uncle the late Lewis Wolfson Esq. and in recognition of the Executive Committee having placed on record their high appreciation of the signal services rendered by the deceased to the Congregation By inscribing his name in the perpetual memorial ''mention of a soul'' [in Hebrew] book of the Congregation ''Sivan 5600'' [in Hebrew] MAY 1880 [sic] =5640'

Lewis Wolfson, who was born in Prussia about 1827, is recorded in the 1871 Census return for 69 York Street, Cheetham, Manchester, as a wholesale jeweller. His wife, Rose (40), and nephew Joseph Shoeps (22), a traveller, and niece Sophia Shoeps (19), a shop assistant, are also recorded. In the same Census, for 18 Houndsditch, London, Joseph Shoeps's brother, Jacob (21) is recorded as 'Assistant in Business' to his aunt Leah Wulfson [sic] (38), a widow and general dealer, together with her two sons and four daughters, aged between 11 and 2. Joseph and Jacob Shoeps, both of whom became wholesale jewellers, died respectively on 1 February 1903 and 6 January 1921.

The English inscription on the 1912 example reads: 'Presented to The Manchester Old Hebrew Congregation by Mr Simon Frankenstein in Memory of his dear Wife. Kislev 5673.'

A translation of the Hebrew inscription on the 1912 example reads: 'In memory of Mrs. Feiga, daughter of Yaacov, wife of Shimon bar Israel Ephraim Frankenshtein, 5 Kislev 5673 [1913]'