RZM Fine Arts and Antiques Inc Presents: Ask the Appraiser

The pointer pictured is a family heirloom. It was smuggled out of Europe in March of 1938 when my family escaped during the Anschluss in Austria. Since all my relatives are now deceased, I do not have anyone to ask to give me any information about it. The questions I have are what its age is, who made it, what is it made from, where was it made and of course the possible value. I recently removed it from the bank vault to show you and make this inquiry. I may have sent too many pictures, if so, I apologize. As you can see, there is an inscription and marks all over it. When I measured it, it was 11 inches long, if that helps you. I am an avid reader of your column, so I hope to read about my pointer someday. Anxiously awaiting your opinion. Thank you.

Shelly B.

It is my good pleasure to inform you that the antique early 19th century silver Torah pointer in your possession is by far, one of the finest I’ve ever seen. The Yad, in Hebrew meaning hand, is a ritual tool the Jewish people use to follow the sacred text when they are reading in the Torah. The Torah is the first five books in the Hebrew scriptures, the Law of God, given or revealed to Moses on Mount Sinai. The Torah pointer is used by the reader to indicate their place during the reading and prayers. The Torah itself is handwritten traditionally on parchment, which is stretched animal skin, by a Sofer using a quill and ink. As the parchment is fragile and most of the time quite old, it is wise not to touch the pages with one’s hand. Your Yad is loaded with silver punch marks that I can identify. If you carefully inspect the punch marks on the Torah pointer you will observe a “TF” mark indicating, it was produced in Vienna. This mark further dates the item. In 1810 this mark was used one year for Ecclesiastical silver that was not subject to the tax authority. (TAXFREISTEMPOL). The additional letter marking of “AM” allows me to identify the Austrian silversmith that actually produced this item. Adler Matthias, active in Vienna from 1790 through 1828. The 830 mark is the silver standard of 83 percent silver. Finally, the Hebrew inscription along the side reads; “Dah lifnei Mi atah Omeid.” Which translates, “Know before Whom you stand.” The various symbols employed as decorations on this pointer are nothing but magnificent. The two bells and the Lion of Judah in particular, with the highly detailed hands. Super quality and workmanship here. Among your information requests was the question of value. As you indicated this item is a family heirloom and rightfully so. I’m certain there is a great deal of emotion connected to this item. No doubt it is priceless to you. However, the reality of monetary value is something quite different than emotional attachment and sentiment. If this item was to come on the market and be offered to an advanced Judica collector, or for that matter a museum, it would sell in the range of $7,000 to $8,000 USD. If space allowed, I could write a whole separate article just on the wonderful symbolism used to decorate this pointer. May the One who makes peace in the high heavens, bring peace upon you and all God’s creations everywhere. Shalom!