Cup is decorated with neatly engraved floral leaf patterns, an overflowing flower vase, and a rampant lion holding an anchor. front center cartouche has Hebrew letter initials Nun, Mem, Hey, which stand for "This cup was made from the Holy Shmirot coins."
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. Apparently unmarked
Height: 6.7 Cm.
Weight: 2.34 Oz.
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