Before Restoration: The original pull bar — a wooden dowel-like mechanism that secures the parchment and facilitates its controlled extension through a slot in the capsule — was missing.
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Completed Scroll: Reconstructed pull bar sewn onto the original parchment.
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Portfolio Feature: Reconstruction of a Missing Pull Bar on a Late 19th-Century Esther Scroll Capsule
Client: Sotheby’s New York (pre-auction commission)
Item: Wooden capsule pull bar for Megillah scroll
Origin: Scroll belonged to Flora Sassoon, late 19th / early 20th century
Dimensions: Scroll (11 3/4 x approx. 62 7/8 in.; 298 x approx. 1595 mm)
Medium: Walnut wood, linen thread, parchment
Item: Wooden capsule pull bar for Megillah scroll
Origin: Scroll belonged to Flora Sassoon, late 19th / early 20th century
Dimensions: Scroll (11 3/4 x approx. 62 7/8 in.; 298 x approx. 1595 mm)
Medium: Walnut wood, linen thread, parchment
Background
This Megillah, once owned by renowned Jewish philanthropist Flora Sassoon, was entrusted to Sotheby’s for auction in 2024. The scroll is housed in a wooden capsule designed to protect and present the parchment during readings. The capsule features a lower cap with a handle, a central mandrel running through its core, and an upper finial.
However, the original pull bar — a wooden dowel-like mechanism that secures the parchment and facilitates its controlled extension through a slot in the capsule — was missing. This missing component made it difficult to safely handle the scroll during ritual use.
Restoration Goals
Research & Design
Based on a detailed examination of the capsule’s structure and similar historic examples, I designed an elongated walnut dowel with grooves and a two-piece split construction to cradle the parchment edge. This shape allowed for precise fitting around the parchment while enabling a sewn, reversible attachment.
Materials & Assembly
The restored pull bar now seamlessly integrates with the capsule, providing a stable and elegant mechanism to control the scroll’s movement during readings. This solution honors the scroll’s historical and ritual importance while extending its functional life for continued use.
This Megillah, once owned by renowned Jewish philanthropist Flora Sassoon, was entrusted to Sotheby’s for auction in 2024. The scroll is housed in a wooden capsule designed to protect and present the parchment during readings. The capsule features a lower cap with a handle, a central mandrel running through its core, and an upper finial.
However, the original pull bar — a wooden dowel-like mechanism that secures the parchment and facilitates its controlled extension through a slot in the capsule — was missing. This missing component made it difficult to safely handle the scroll during ritual use.
Restoration Goals
- Reconstruct the missing pull bar with historically appropriate materials and form.
- Ensure the pull bar fits precisely within the capsule mechanism and functions smoothly.
- Attach the pull bar securely to the parchment using non-invasive, reversible methods.
- Respect the scroll’s material integrity and ritual significance by avoiding adhesives.
Research & Design
Based on a detailed examination of the capsule’s structure and similar historic examples, I designed an elongated walnut dowel with grooves and a two-piece split construction to cradle the parchment edge. This shape allowed for precise fitting around the parchment while enabling a sewn, reversible attachment.
Materials & Assembly
- Selected walnut wood matching the capsule’s tone and grain
- Turned and grooved the dowel on a lathe, then split it lengthwise
- Applied finish to the halves before assembly to ensure complete sealing
- Sewed the halves around the parchment edge with linen thread, ensuring a secure, adhesive-free bond
The restored pull bar now seamlessly integrates with the capsule, providing a stable and elegant mechanism to control the scroll’s movement during readings. This solution honors the scroll’s historical and ritual importance while extending its functional life for continued use.
