Torah Shield – Lemberg, 1820-1830

Torah Shield – Lemberg, 1820-1830
Torah Shield. Lemberg (present day Lvov, Ukraine). Ca. 1820-1830 [prior to 1836].
Silver (marked; makers mark).
Impressive Torah Shield. A monumental seven branched Menorah, with burning flames, appears in the center, flanked by a pair of heraldic lions, with tongues sticking out (slightly different from each other). On the right side and on the left side, net-like ornamentations with nice flowers and in the margins – shell-like decorations with winged creatures. On the upper part appears a basket with flowers with a pair of impressive fowls on both sides, standing on protruding balls (somewhat different from each other).
this shield was originally used as a backplate of a Chanukah Lamp and was converted to serve as a Torah Shield about 100 years ago [early 20th century]. At that time, chains for hanging the shield from the staves of the Torah Scroll were added, and a dedication was engraved on the lower part: "Merl Weiss of Poland".
Length: 21 cm, width: 22 cm. Fair-good condition. Damages and bends to margins. Old repairs to reverse. Wing of one bird is missing. Chains for hanging.