Antique 1914 Dutch Silver Yom Kippur Belt Buckle Gebr Niekerk Judaica 833 For Sale

* Type: Yom Kippur Belt Buckle / Clasp
* Composition: Solid Silver (.833 Purity, Dutch Second Standard)
* Maker: Gebr. Niekerk (Niekerk Brothers), Groningen/Schoonhoven
* Year of Manufacture: 1914 (Assay Date Letter "e")
* Origin: Netherlands (Holland)
* Religion/Culture: Judaism / Judaica
* Design Motifs: Cherubim (Angels), Sacrificial Temple Urns, Rams' Heads
* Condition: Excellent Antique Condition with Original Patina
* Weight: 3.5 ounces Up for sale is a magnificent, highly collectible piece of authentic European Judaica: an Antique 1914 Dutch Solid Silver Yom Kippur Belt Buckle, beautifully crafted by the renowned silversmith firm Gebr. Niekerk.
Worn traditionally by Orthodox Ashkenazi Jewish men over the ceremonial white kittel robe during the High Holy Days, this piece is an extraordinary example of turn-of-the-century Dutch religious metalwork.
Design & Symbolism:
Unlike generic buckles, every intricate detail of this pierced openwork piece directly references the solemnity of the Day of Atonement:
* Cherubim: Beautifully rendered angelic faces nestled in the foliate scrollwork, symbolizing the Holy of Holies.
* Ritual Urns: Centered prominently within laurel wreaths, representing the Temple incense and purification vessels.
* Rams' Heads: Expertly sculpted at the crown of the frame, serving as a powerful reference to the Shofar and the Binding of Isaac.
Hallmarks & Authenticity:
The reverse side is fully stamped with crisp, deeply struck national hallmarks:
1. Maker's Mark: "N2" inside a clipped rectangle, identifying the master silversmiths Gebr. Niekerk.
2. Date Letter: The lowercase, cursive letter "e" indicating the exact assay year of 1914.
3. Purity Mark: Standard Dutch hallmark indicating .833 purity silver.This piece was in my father’s estate. Please study the photos carefully; they are of the exact object. The buckle has not been cleaned. Ships only in the United States.