Miniature Torah Scroll, [Ashkenaz: 19th century]

Scroll (4 3/4 in. x approx. 59 ft.; 120 mm x approx. 18 m) on parchment; written in Ashkenazic Beit yosef script in black ink on fifty-four membranes (widths varying widely) with three to nine columns per membrane (total: 240 columns) and forty-two lines per column (average column height: 3 7/8 in.; 98 mm :: and width: 1 7/8 to 2 1/8 in.; 48 to 53 mm); horizontally and vertically ruled in hardpoint. Slight scattered spotting and/or dampstaining; sinews between membranes 44 and 45 beginning to come loose at foot. Mounted on modern wooden rollers and accompanied by two embroidered Torah mantles (one maroon and one deep green), two silver breastplates engraved with the Decalogue (one also inscribed with the phrase Keter torah and the name Moses Menahem Mendel), one silver Torah pointer surmounted by a lion attached to a silver chain, and one white silk Torah binder. All housed in a fitted brown morocco locking fold-top case with handle and key.

In order to fulfill the biblical injunction enjoining every Jew to write his own Torah scroll, people of means who are not themselves expert in the laws attaching thereto sometimes sponsor a scribe to write one on their behalf. While most scrolls used in synagogues for ritual purposes are large and heavy, their privately-owned cousins tend to be diminutive and portable. This allows their owners not only to store them more easily, but also to transport them from place to place. The present lot, executed in miniature, is accompanied by undersized Torah mantles, breastplates, a pointer, and a binder, all of which fit easily into the specially-constructed leather carrying case.

Naturally, the degree of proficiency required to produce such a small scroll as this one is beyond the ability of all but the most skilled scribes. Torah scrolls of such minute dimensions are thus extremely rare and highly prized.