Candleholder Antique Judaica Hanukkah menorah – Commemorative gift ca. 1948-1950 - Brass

A very unique and historically important vintage/antique Judaica Hanukkah lamp, made of heavy brass. This piece is strongly inspired by traditional 18th-century Polish/Eastern European openwork backplates, but has a deep modern historical background.

Iconography & Design:
The beautiful openwork backplate features classic Jewish symbols, including the Lions of Judah flanking a central menorah, two palm trees, birds on the side panels, and a double-headed eagle above. The lower section has a row of 8 oil/candles holders, complemented by two protruding side arms that serve as the Shamash (the helper candles).

Unique historical inscription:
The backplate bears a very rare engraved/raised English commemorative text, dedicated to a post-World War II charity drive in the early years of the State of Israel. It reads:
"...THE AMBULANCE WAS DONATED TO ISRAEL [AEL] THROUGH [THE] MAGEN DAVID [ADOM] IN GREAT BRITAIN [BY THE ...] DI WOMEN'S CHARITY"
This indicates that the Hanukkah lamp was ordered as a special gift of gratitude to commemorate an ambulance donated in the late 1940s or early 1950s by a British Jewish women’s organization to the Israeli national medical service (Magen David Adom).

Weight: 3.5 kg

Specifications & Condition:
• Material: Cast bronze/brass.
• Period: approx. 1948 – 1950s.
• Condition: Excellent, solid condition with an authentic, untouched patina. Shows beautiful green verdigris oxidation on the lower rack and bottom, which proves age and authenticity. Fully intact without structural damage.