Clars LA
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Clars LA The Winter Sale

Tue, Dec 10, 2024 04:30PM EST
  2024-12-10 16:30:00 2024-12-10 16:30:00 America/New_York Clars LA Clars LA : Clars LA The Winter Sale https://live.clarsla.com/auctions/clars-la/clars-la-the-winter-sale-15667
Clars LA ask@clarsla.com
Lot 1656

Judaica Important and Rarest American Milwood Jeweled Torah Shield Breastplate in existence from 1910

Estimate: $30,000 - $50,000
Starting Bid
$15,000

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $10
$50 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$25,000 $2,500
$50,000 $5,000
$100,000 $10,000
Important Jeweled American Torah shield, New York City, circa 1910, Judaica.

13.2"h (33.53 cm)

This stunning Torah shield is a true work of art. The main decoration imitates 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 the photos alone is the amount of workmanship that went into creating this shield. All of the leaves seen at the 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.

A silversmith did not make this Torah shield; 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.

Provenance: Judaica collection from Abe Wintner, Los Angeles. Abe Wintner is one of America's top 100 collectors.

Condition

Click here for more detailed images.

For additional information, including condition reports, please email Clars Los Angeles at ask@ClarsLA.com. The absence of a condition statement does not mean that the lot is in perfect condition

Collection & shipping

The following packers, shippers, and movers
have been used by other Clars L.A.customers.
Clars L.A. does not ship or pack any items sold or offered at auction, with no exceptions.
We will assist buyers in making shipping arrangements by furnishing information on
packers and shippers. A list is provided below buyers have used in the past. We have no
connection with them, other than through our buyers. You should contact your transport
company directly and advise us of the plans you have made. Handling of purchased lots
by us is at the risk of the purchaser. Final arrangements and agreements are strictly
between the buyer and the shipper. Clars L.A. is not responsible for the buyer’s choice of
a shipper or for any occurrences during shipping.
Our gallery is open Monday to Friday from 11 am – 4 pm for pick-up.
We are CLOSED on Saturday and Sunday.
Pick up Address: 818 W Las Tunas Drive, San Gabriel, CA91776.
All purchases must be paid in full prior to their release. Please note that buyers with out-
of-state addresses who pick up in person must pay California sales tax.
Please contact one of the shippers listed below, or any shipper of your choice, for an
auction shipping quote prior to bidding. They will need the lot number, short description,
approximate selling price, and your shipping address. They will need to pick up, pack and
ship your items to you.

Domestic & International Packers and Shippers
 The UPS Store #7300
Contact: Robert Yung
626-656-6166
store7300@theupsstore.com
 Box Brothers Corp.
Contact: Charles Rucker
818-703-9393
crucker@boxbros.com
 Premier Pack & Ship
Contact: Vincent Chau
626-234-2525
WeChat: Itsvinny111
premierpacknship@gmail.com
 Post Pack & Ship
(818) 581-8300
postpack115@gmail.com
 RM Auction Shipping Services
In-House Custom Crating
(650) 952-1041

ming@worldsfo.com
 World Air and Ocean Services
(650) 952-1041

Local Transport
 Delbert McCrea
(831) 566-6088
Blanket wrap: California only
delmccrea@gmail.com
 Lance Thompson: Art, Antique & Design
(831) 596-1139
ltbane@yahoo.com
 Custom Moving & Hauling
Art Lotti: (925) 895-4411
art@custommovehaul.com
 Lugg
https://lugg.com
 Post Pack & Ship
(818) 581-8300
postpack115@gmail.com
 First Hand Moving + Piano Moving & Storage
Brandon Terry: (510) 849-7250
 The Packaging Store
(510) 420-1171

auctionpack@comcast.net

Piano Movers
 AA Piano Movers
(510) 633-2828
https://mcpianomove.com
 First Hand Moving + Piano Moving & Storage
Brandon Terry: (510) 849-7250
 Royal Piano Movers
(209) 200-6455
royalpianomover@gmail.com

High Value Property Shippers
 Gander & White Shipping
(415) 825-5165
https://ganderandwhite.com
 UOVO
(833) 344-8686
info@uovo.art
 Atthowe Fine Art Services
Local, Domestic & International Shipping
Opening Bid Must Be $10,000 or Higher
(510) 654-6816
atthowe@atthowe.com

 World Air and Ocean Services
(650) 952-1041

Automobile Transport
 Uship
https://uship.com/vehicles/

If you contact any of the above companies, they can facilitate the packing
and shipment of your purchases.
Following making your shipping arrangements, please fill out the SHIPPING
AUTHORIZATION FORM.
We must receive your authorization prior to releasing your purchases.
If you grant authorization to individuals other than yourself to retrieve the
items on your behalf, we kindly request that you complete the AUTHORIZED
RELEASE FORM and subsequently return it to us. The designated individual
must be in possession of a valid identification document, wherein the name
presented aligns with the information provided on the aforementioned form,
at the time of item pickup.
Thank you for your cooperation and we look forward to doing business with
you in the future.