Items Similar to Early Pewter Hanukkah Lamp, Germany, 1732
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 19
Early Pewter Hanukkah Lamp, Germany, 1732
$5,000
£3,777.74
€4,328.15
CA$6,976.62
A$7,604.16
CHF 4,020.25
MX$91,539.67
NOK 51,027.03
SEK 46,781.36
DKK 32,331.45
About the Item
A remarkable and early example of 18th-century European Judaica metalwork, this pewter Hanukkah lamp—crafted in Germany in 1732—stands as a testament to both early Ashkenazic ritual craftsmanship and the refined decorative vocabulary of its period. Its construction, design, and multiple hallmarks offer a vivid glimpse into the Jewish domestic ceremonial art of the early 1700s.
The lamp is composed of two distinct levels, each serving both functional and aesthetic purposes.
The lower level forms a large, deep drip pan, designed to catch the oil flowing from the burning wicks above—a classic and practical feature of early pewter Hanukkah lamps. This base is supported by four claw-shaped feet, one positioned at each corner, giving the lamp stability and a bold sculptural presence.
Rising above the drip pan is the upper tier, fashioned as a bench-like platform holding eight rectangular oil wells, each boldly shaped with pointed ends and neatly aligned across the top section. These wells are designed for traditional oil-burning observance of the Hanukkah lights.
Both the upper and lower levels feature an overhanging apron with a repeating diamond-shaped pattern, each diamond dotted at its center—an early 18th-century decorative motif executed with precision, adding rhythm and texture to the lamp’s silhouette.
The backplate of the upper section is particularly striking: it displays undulating geometric designs, flowing in elegant symmetrical curves. Within this composition appear two kidney-shaped cutouts, framing the original owner's initials, positioned proudly in the center—an intimate historical detail that further enriches the lamp’s character.
From either side of the lamp extend two dramatically sculpted circular holders. On one side, a servant light (shamash), formed in the same rectangular pointed shape as the eight wells, rises from a multiple-spool stem—a charming and archaic architectural form. Opposite it, the second circular holder supports a large pewter oil jug, complete with an elegant, auriform (ear-shaped) handle. This jug, with its hinged swinging lid, was intended both for storing oil and for pouring it neatly into the wells—a highly practical and rare surviving accessory.
Adding significant historical value, the lamp is hallmarked multiple times with the maker’s and date marks, “IDBM 1732,” surrounding an angelic figure holding a staff—a distinctive and uncommon hallmark that helps firmly establish the lamp’s origin and date.
This early pewter Hanukkah lamp is a superb example of early Ashkenazic pewterwork, combining ritual functionality with decorative charm. Its sculptural details—the claw feet, apron patterning, cutout motifs, foliate curves, and fully preserved accessories—make it not only a ceremonial object but also a rare, museum-quality work of Judaica from the early 18th century.
- Dimensions:Height: 8.86 in (22.5 cm)Width: 10.44 in (26.5 cm)Depth: 3.23 in (8.2 cm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:1730-1739
- Date of Manufacture:1732
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU5281247594562
About the Seller
5.0
Recognized Seller
These prestigious sellers are industry leaders and represent the highest echelon for item quality and design.
Established in 2006
1stDibs seller since 2020
152 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 18 hours
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Pomona, NY
- Return Policy
More From This Seller
View AllAn 18th Century German Pewter Hanukkah Lamp, Nördlingen, 1786-1819
Located in New York, NY
An 18th Century German Pewter Hanukkah Lamp crafted by Johann Georg Balthasar Weilbach, active from 1786 to 1819 in Nördlingen, Bavaria.
The lamp belongs to a specific group charac...
Category
Antique 18th Century German Candle Lamps
Materials
Pewter
An Early German Silver Hanukkah Lamp, Berlin Circa 1817
Located in New York, NY
A superb example of early 19th-century German Judaica, made by Johann Friedrich Wilhelm Borcke, this Hanukkah lamp, crafted in Berlin circa 1817-1819 em...
Category
Antique Early 19th Century German Renaissance Revival Sterling Silver
Materials
Silver
Late 19th Silver-Plated American Hanukkah Lamp
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful, silver-plated Hanukkah lamp made in the United States. Typical of late 19th century revivalism in Judaica, the lamp is designed in a combination of styles such as the rococo scrollwork and diamond pattern and the Gothic niches...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century American Rococo Religious Items
Materials
Silver Plate
19th Century Iraqi Silver Hanukkah Lamp Menorah
Located in New York, NY
Handcut strips of silver that have been bent into curvilinear shapes, with semicircle of candle-sockets, complete with drip-pans. A cast-made pair of birds, appearing to be ducks or geese, flank the servant light, while at top as the finial, a large casting of a hen or rooster.
While this overall form of lamp is known as hailing from Iraq, we cannot locate any other Iraqi lamps featuring the animals displayed on our example. Birds such as peacocks were widely used in Iraqi and other Middle-Eastern and North African Chanukah lamps, however the usage of the animals featured on our lamp likely have more to do with the surrounding Islamic culture than revealing any meaning in Judaism, which is typical overall for many motifs found on Jewish ritual...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Iraqi Religious Items
Materials
Silver
19th Century Afghan Silver Shabbat Oil Lamp
Located in New York, NY
Silver Sabbath oil lamp, Afghanistan, late 19th century.
Featuring a rimmed bowl elevated on a paneled stem, with larger drip pan below, resting on three feet. Extended piece of han...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Afghan Religious Items
Materials
Silver
Late 19th Century Iraqi Silver Hanukkah Lamp
Located in New York, NY
Unique silver Hanukkah lamp, Iraq, circa 1880.
On four feet, a handmade silver tray with nine candle holders for eight days of Hanukkah, and one for t...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Iraqi Religious Items
Materials
Silver
You May Also Like
German 18th Century Silver Hanukkah Lamp by Herfurth
Located in London, GB
German 18th century silver Hanukkah lamp by Herfurth
German, c. 1760
Height 17.5cm, width 23cm, depth 7cm
This exceptional German Hanukkah lamp was produced in the 18th century ...
Category
Antique Mid-17th Century German Religious Items
Materials
Silver
Early Silver Plated Menorah
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A nice early 20th century silver plated Menorah. In estate found condition, we have not tried to polish it. Nice patina.
No markings at all, but assumed to be silver plated and Euro...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Religious Items
Materials
Silver Plate
Bezalel Jerusalem silver Hanukah lamp set with stones, Yehia Yemini circa 1920s
Located in Tel Aviv - Jaffa, IL
A Silver Hanukkah lamp crafted by Yehia Yemini in Jerusalem circa 1920 is a fascinating piece of Judaica. Yehia Yemini was known for his intricate and detailed silverwork. This lamp ...
Category
Vintage 1920s Candle Lamps
Materials
Multi-gemstone, Sterling Silver
Vintage German Pewter Candleholder from Wall, 1970s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Vintage German Pewter Candleholder from Wall, 1970s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1970 to 1979 This piece has an attribution mark.
Additional information:
Materials: Pewter
Col...
Category
20th Century German More Candle Holders
Materials
Pewter
Silver candlestick with lid pommel, friezes and three claw-shaped feet
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Silver candlestick with removable lid pommel, friezes on the surround and three claw-shaped feet. Metal: Silver. Origin: Portuguese. Mark: Standing eagle - I Title. Weig...
Category
20th Century European Candlesticks
Materials
Silver
$450 Sale Price
50% Off
Free Shipping
Moroccan Copper Hanukkah Lamp Judaica Menorah
By Berber Tribes of Morocco
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Moroccan copper Hanukkah metal lamp menorah.
Judaica Menorah or Hanukkah Lamp in Brass with Openwork Pattern.
Judaica Menorah or Hanukkah lamp in coppe...
Category
Mid-20th Century Moroccan Arts and Crafts Religious Items
Materials
Metal, Copper
