Cup is engraved with floral and vine scrolling designs. Center cartouche reads " This Cup was Made from the Holy Shmirot Coins in the month of Av." Interestingly, the date of the creation of this cup is hinted in the words adorning the front of the cup, marked above the letters with hyphens (1883).
This cup is one of the larger size Shmirot cups that were made.
When the rabbinical leader of a community (the Rebbe) has a favorite follower or student, he would give him some of his silver coins or silver eating utensils. The recipient would take these coins or utensils to a silversmith to make them into a cup or if he was given a significant gift, a menorah. More often than not, the coins were scarce so the cups made were small. These “Shmirot” cups were held in great esteem since their silver content had been previously owned by a Tzaddik, a holy person. An added holiness would, therefore, be bestowed upon the user during the recitation of the Kiddush on the Sabbath and Holidays.
Great condition. Marked 12 at bottom
Height: 6.7 Cm.
Weight: 2.8 Oz.
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