Antique HaMelech Megillah Scroll, Jerusalem, Mid-19th Century.

Antique HaMelech Megillah Scroll, Jerusalem, Mid-19th Century.

An Antique HaMelech Megillah Scroll, written in Jerusalem, circa 1850. 

A “HaMelech” Megillah, where every column starts with the word “HaMelech”. Interestingly, this Megillah was purchased by a Christian tourist upon his visit to Jerusalem in 1869, as written in a handwritten inscription at the beginning of the scroll: “Presented to the Theological seminary at Bexley Hall, Gambier, Ohio, by Jos. S. Jenckes, Jr., and brought from Jerusalem by him, A.D. 1869”.

However we can assume it was written and used much before 1869, as evidenced by the owner’s name handwritten in Hebrew at the top, written while still in Jewish hands.

In overall good condition. A small worm hole is seen on column 2, affecting one word of text. Ink slight faded and worn in some places. Written on soft, brown deerskin Klaf. Eighteen lines per column. 

Measures approximately 20cm tall.