One Silver Torah Shield, Continental, stamped '750', dated 1876/77 (Jewish Calendar, 5637)

the Continental example engraved with a contemporary inscription

Condition and hallmarks generally good although both have been a little battered around the edges, the 1892 example has three holes along the bottom (presumably for now missing pendant plaques)
"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 reads: 'Presented to the Manchester Hebrew Congregation by Abraham and Rachel Levy In token of their gratitude to Almighty God for the safe deliverance of their beloved son Benjamin from the Wreck of the Windsor Castle 5637.'

'The mail-steamer Windsor Castle, one of Messrs. Donald Currie and Co.'s line, which left London on Sept. 20 for the Cape, taking in mails and passengers at Dartmouth three days later, was wrecked on Oct. 16, but, happily, without loss of life. This ship had for some years been carrying the mails to the Cape, having before that been on the Indian line, where she made the fastest passages on record. ... The spot where the wreck occurred is Dassen Island, halfway between Saldanha Bay and Table Bay, on the west coast of the Cape of Good Hope. It is a small guano islet, a mile or two off the mainland, about fifty miles north from Table Bay. This little island lies in the direct route to England, and has always been considered a dangerous spot, the highest part of the land being only sixty feet above the level of the sea. ... The weather was fine, and the passengers were in expectation of being berthed in the Cape Town docks early next day. About two o'clock in the morning everyone on board was awakened by an unusual sound, followed by a stoppage of the ship's motion. Some thought that the vessel had anchored sooner than was expected, and turned round to go to sleep again, well pleased that the voyage was ended. They were soon warned, however, that the vessel had struck and was fast impaled upon a reef of rocks, one of which was found to have penetrated some 7 ft. between the fore and midships. Within a quarter of an hour the engine-room was filled with water up to the water line. Fortunately, there was no sea running, and the steamer lay as quietly in her position as if she was at anchor. During the two hours before daybreak alarm-guns and rockets were fired, and the captain, officers, and crew lowered the boats and made preparations. When there was light it was seen that the steamer had struck on a sunken rock at the side of the Dassen Island, and there was no possibility of her being got off. Captain Hewat then appointed passengers and crew to the several boats, and landed the whole of the women, children, and men without any mishap. Provisions were sent ashore, and every effort was made to render their position comfortable, till they were safely removed. The ship went to pieces after some days, but a portion of the cargo was recovered. This, which is valued at £50,000, consisted of Manchester goods, iron, and machinery, and is insured in London. ...' (The Illustrated London News, London, 2 December 1876, p. 523)