TORAH POINTER. Origin uncertain, probably Central Europe, 19th century.

The whole cast, upper portion square, crosshatched, with ball finial with bell loop, lower section consisting of bird's head from which emanates hand holding arm with hand whose index finger is extended. No marks found. L: 160mm. No chain. * Together With: Pointer, Russia, 1884, some wear, no chain.

Three pointers from Danzig, similarly, have a hand holding an arm; two are discussed by R. Grafman in Crowning Glory: Silver Torah Ornaments of the Jewish Museum (1996) Nos. 527, 529, p. 294. Note the detail on this Yad: even the fingernails are indicated.