Danish Jewish Prayer Book of Chief Rabbi Avram Wolff with Silver Breastplate. An important 19th century Danish Hebrew prayer book associated with Chief Rabbi Avram Wolff of Copenhagen (1801–1891), accompanied by a period Continental silver Torah breastplate.
The prayer book is entitled "Psalmer til Brug ved Gudstjenesten i Synagogen" ("Psalms for Use in Synagogue Services"), compiled and edited by A. A. Wolff, and published in Copenhagen in 1862 by G. Triers Forlag og Tryk. Avram (Abraham) Wolff served as Chief Rabbi of Copenhagen during much of the mid-19th century and was responsible for major liturgical and communal reforms within the Danish Jewish community. Bound in original gilt-decorated burgundy leather boards, the volume contains a photographic portrait of Rabbiner Wolff neatly inset into the front cover. Internally, the book retains clean typography and original pagination. A later ownership inscription reading "Annelise Cohen" appears on the front endpaper. Wear consistent with age includes edge rubbing, spine wear, and softened corners, but the binding remains solid and intact.
Accompanying the book is a finely worked silver Torah breastplate, likely Continental European, late 19th to early 20th century in date. The plate is of traditional Rococo-influenced form, decorated with raised floral forms and scrolling foliage, crowned by a prominent royal crown motif above a central depiction of the Tablets of the Law surmounted by a Star of David. Below the tablet is an empty oval cartouche. The reverse shows hand-worked construction with riveted elements and an original chain suspension. Some surface wear and minor age-related imperfections are present, consistent with use.
Estimated Value $400 - 500
Judaica
