MAKER'S MARK OF ISRAEL VITALE (BARGONI V-76), TURIN, CIRCA 1830

Details

AN ITALIAN SILVER SHADDAI AMULET FOR CRADLE
Maker's mark of Israel Vitale (Bargoni V-76), Turin, circa 1830
Made of two sheets of oval form and surmounted by two stylised palm leaves, the front with shield inscribed in Hebrew Shaddai (the Almighty), flanked by stylised foliage on matted ground and surmounted by shell ornament within geometrical and beaded band, the reverse with similar oval medallion, centred by apple tree also on matted ground, plain suspension ring on top
10.9cm. high
marked on finial on each side
32gr.

Special notice

Christie's charge a buyer's premium of 20.825% of the hammer price for lots with values up to NLG 200,000. If the hammer price exceeds the NLG 200,000 then the premium is calculated at 20.825% of the first NLG 200,000 plus 11.9% of any amount in excess of NLG 200,000.

Lot Essay

These amulets which were used for hanging on children's cradles referred to by Italian Jews as 'Shaddai' amulet because the name of G-d was inscribed on the majority of them.
Israel Vitale was a Jewish silversmith from the north Italian town of Alessandria of which most of the Jewish inhabitants were members of the Vitale family

COMPARATIVE LITERATURE:
Enc. Judaica vol.2 columns 566-567
Bargoni, Augusto, Mastri Orafi e Argentieri in Piemonte, Torino, p.255 and p.306 (v-76)

See illustration

More from JUDAICA, SILVER, RUSSIAN WORKS OF ART AND OBJECTS OF VERTU

View All