Dear Tsadik,
This is my Italian Shabbos lamp. What can you tell me about it?
Flo Gabbin
Haifa, Israel
Dear Flo,
First, your Shabbos lamp is not Italian – it’s Dutch. It dates to the 19th century. While you do have the main parts of the lamp – those being the spouted oil container and drip pan – you are missing the long brass hooks that connect them together, as well as three other pieces: two that connect above the oil container which are in the forms of a crown and a baluster knop, and one below the drip pan, in the form of a large tulip bud.
If your Shabbos lamp were complete, it would have a value of $1,500-$2,000. Unfortunately, the value of your “parts” lamp is severely reduced; perhaps $300-$500.
Best,
Tsadik
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Dear Tsadik,
These kiddush cups have been in my family for many years. My grandparents are long gone and no one else knows the history or age. Are you familiar with these?
Jeff Feinberg
Brooklyn, NY
Dear Jeff,
The kiddush cups in your group shot are easily recognizable, as they were produced in tremendous numbers in New York City for American Jewry. Based on the photo of the hallmarks you provided, your cups were made during the 1940s or 50s. They have a value of $15-$20 each, and if you have a matching coaster for a cup, you can add another $10-$15.
Your other cup is a true antique, as it dates to about 1850 from Poland or the Ukraine. Many Jewish families whose ancestors hailed from those countries or from the region known as Galicia have cups like yours as heirlooms. Some examples might have Hebrew initials or the blessing for Shabbos kiddush engraved, or they might have animals both real and mythological engraved, such as a lion, eagle, unicorn, or griffin.
Your cup is what is typically found: No Hebrew or animals, just a pleasant floral design. In today’s market, your cup has a value of $100-$125.
Best,
Tsadik
