Silver Circumcision Knife with Hidden Powder Compartment, Italy, 19th Century. Silver circumcision knife with a sculptural handle decorated in deep relief on both sides with ritual scenes from the Jewish circumcision ceremony. One side depicts the mohel holding the knife, while the opposite side shows the sandak (godfather) holding the infant, emphasizing the religious and familial significance of the rite. Beneath the figures on the lower borders is an engraved Hebrew inscription identifying the owner: "Yosef son of Noah Mayov." The handle is hollow and contains a concealed internal compartment originally intended for storage of medicinal powder, used as a disinfectant and to control bleeding during the circumcision. The compartment is accessible via a removable base cap, while the top of the handle is crowned by a finial-shaped pull used to extract the internal container. Both the finial and the handle edges are ornamented with raised beadwork created by silver granulation. The blade is steel and mounted into the silver handle with a decorative collar.
Length approximately 15.5 cm; width approximately 2.5 cm; thickness approximately 2 cm. Good condition with surface wear consistent with age and handling.
Provenance: Ignat Mahler Collection; subsequently acquired by Peter Castle (1922–2011) at public auction in 1970; thence by descent.
Exhibited: Jewish Museum of Switzerland, Basel.
Ex. Kedem Auctions, Sale 97, Lot 37.
Estimated Value $700 - 1,000
Judaica
