This stunning Torah shield is a true work of art. The main decoration is an imitation of the breastplate worn by the High Priest in the Temple in Jerusalem, where twelve stones are placed for each of The Twelve Tribes. Here under each stone, the tribe name in Hebrew is expertly engraved.
Hallmarked "Millwood Sterling Silver".
The maker of this shield, "Millwood", was a jewelry firm in New York City until 1915. The shield was designed and decorated in the way Edwardian jewelry at the times was; a mixture of Art Nouveau elements, such as the leaves and colorful stone encrusted grape clusters seen at the top, along with more formal designs from the Neo-Classical era such as curtains/swags and ancient columns. Continuing underneath each base of four columns is the last point of Edwardian-style decoration; large stars filled with stones in an angular "royal" shape, as if it were a badge worn by a king. Underneath the base of the center column is a lengthy dedication in Hebrew, indicating it was a gift to the synagogue it was presented to.
What cannot be appreciated from photos alone is the amount of workmanship that went into creating this shield. All of the leaves seen at top, the large, bold Hebrew lettering above the crown stating "Holy to Hashem", is in repousse, that is, hand hammered from the reverse side. There is also a tremendous amount of "matting" on the shield, noticeable on the curtains and the space above it, this gives the effect of the shield moving, as it has texture. Notice how this shield was not entirely covered in gold-wash / gilt, but the gilding was only placed on some of the leaves and the drapes at the outer columns; this makes for a lively contrast with the rest of the silver color. Finally we have a crown directly below "Holy to Hashem". This crown, by itself, could be an exquisite piece of jewelry. The design of the crown and choice of alternating reddish-purple and clear stones is something straight out of a portrait of a Maharaja in India.
This Torah shield was not made by a silversmith; it was made by a jewelry firm, which is why it is so visually appealing, as fine jewelry is meant to draw the eye in. There is a built in hook on the reverse with loops so this shield can fit extra securely, locked into the staves of the Torah scroll itself.
We believe this is the most beautiful Torah shield ever created in the United States of America. We cannot understate it’s importance regarding the history of Jews in America. This is most assuredly a one of a kind, specially commissioned piece that at the time, cost a very large sum.
13.2" tall.
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