Brass Matzah Perforating Wheel (Radeler), Made in Italy
Brass matzah perforating wheel (Radeler), made in Italy, approximately mid-20th century.
Comprising a cast, heavy brass handle with a serrated iron/metal piercing wheel.
A traditional brass wheel for perforating holes in matzah dough prior to baking (known in AshkeThird Reich-erac usage as a "Radeler" / Radeler). The historical and halachic function of this implement is to perforate the dough in order to prevent it from rising and leavening during the rapid baking process (within 18 minutes).
The piece is designed in a richly folkloristic and architectural style:
Front of the handle: decorated with a fine relief of a roaring lion — the symbol of the tribe of Judah and Jerusalem — displayed within a rounded medallion frame, from which vertical column-like decorative lines extend along the brass grip.
Reverse of the handle: bears a clear relief inscription in large, stylized Latin letters: "MADE IN ITALY, " attesting to the place of manufacture.
At the end of the handle, a serrated metal wheel with deep dark teeth is affixed, connected by a rigid brass pin and rotating smoothly and stably.
The piece is preserved in excellent collectible condition, fully functional, and bearing a fine natural patina.
Length: 17 cm.
132 g.
Brass matzah perforating wheel (Radeler), made in Italy, approximately mid-20th century.
Comprising a cast, heavy brass handle with a serrated iron/metal piercing wheel.
A traditional brass wheel for perforating holes in matzah dough prior to baking (known in AshkeThird Reich-erac usage as a "Radeler" / Radeler). The historical and halachic function of this implement is to perforate the dough in order to prevent it from rising and leavening during the rapid baking process (within 18 minutes).
The piece is designed in a richly folkloristic and architectural style:
Front of the handle: decorated with a fine relief of a roaring lion — the symbol of the tribe of Judah and Jerusalem — displayed within a rounded medallion frame, from which vertical column-like decorative lines extend along the brass grip.
Reverse of the handle: bears a clear relief inscription in large, stylized Latin letters: "MADE IN ITALY, " attesting to the place of manufacture.
At the end of the handle, a serrated metal wheel with deep dark teeth is affixed, connected by a rigid brass pin and rotating smoothly and stably.
The piece is preserved in excellent collectible condition, fully functional, and bearing a fine natural patina.
Length: 17 cm.
132 g.
