Brush and nail cleaner for purifying the deceased. Hallmarked silver: Maker’s mark and Old-Wein hallmarks from 1861.
Description: The brush measures 9×13 cm. Rounded handle at top with a hole for inserting a chain. Nice engraving: “Donated to the chevra kadisha gemillut chassadim in Dobruska.” The reverse features the engraved name of the donor: “Yaakov Pick Wolf Munk.”The nail cleaner is narrow and 15 cm. long. Small ring at its edge for inserting a chain. There are no engravings on this tool, however it bears the same silver marks that are on the brush, confirming that both pieces were made for the same purpose by the same artisan.
Background: Part of the process of purifying a dead body involves brushing its hairs. The last stage of the cleansing process is the removal of dirt from underneath the deceased’s fingernails, which is accomplished with a special tool.
Dobruska is a village in Northeastern Bohemia, Czechoslovakia. Jews resided in the village beginning in the 16th century. The cemetery was first used in 1675 and was expanded in 1897. It includes a mass grave for Jewish soldiers who died during the Austro-Prussian War of 1866.We’ve included information regarding this community.
Condition: Very fine.