ENGLISH SILVER SPICE-CONTAINER.
Small cup. Hebrew letters indicate function as a ...

Small cup. Hebrew letters indicate function as a spice container for Havdalah. Inscribed with owner’s name and date (see below). Geometric pattern around the rim. Height: 3 inches (7.6 cm). Marked.


London, 1849.


THE EARLIEST KNOWN, TRULY ENGLISH, HAVDALAH SPICE CONTAINER .
     This exceptionally well made silver container started its life as an egg cup holder. Based on the six notches found in the mouth of the cup, it was the sixth in a set of six. At no time therefore did it have a covered portion. While the maker of the cup cannot be identified as the mark is worn, the other series of marks indicate the city of London and the date of 1845.
     The container is singular due to its descriptive engraving which indicates the owner, date, and its specific intended use a spice holder for the Havdalah service at the conclusion of the Sabbath. This inscription provides invaluable information on the spice container’s provenance.
     The inscription reads: “Presented to Joseph Joseph by his affectionate Brother Simon, A.M. 5610.” Typically English-form elegant Hebrew characters “Besamim L’Havdalah” (Spices for Havdalah). “A.M.” are the initials for the Latin words Anno Mundi (English translation: “from the creation of the world”). Such initials prefacing the Hebrew numerical year is unique to English Judaica.
     
Further information in regard to the importance of this item is provided in a more detailed description and available upon request.