Perpetual trophy for the winners of the HaPoel national swimming championship, issued by "HaChevel HaYami LeIsrael" (a maritime training association). Designed by Shalom Sebba (signed on verso: "Sebba"). Palestine, 1942.
Trophy in the form of a plate, with a relief of a swimmer in its center, topped by the Hebrew inscription "HaPoel National Swimming Championship". Engraved with the logo of "HaChevel HaYami LeIsrael", and the Hebrew inscriptions "Gift of HaChevel HaYami LeIsrael, 1942", "1942, 1943, 1944, Jordan Valley" (these are presumably the competitions during which the trophy was awarded).
"HaChevel HaYami LeIsrael" was an association for marine training established in 1936. It founded a maritime school, dedicated itself to the development of the fishing industry, promoted swimming lessons and was one of the founders of the ZIM shipping company.
Siegfried Shalom Sebba (1897-1975), painter, stage designer, sculptor, photographer and book-illustrator. Born in Prussia, he acquired his artistic training in Königsberg and Berlin. Immigrated to Palestine in 1936. A pre-Canaanite artist, Sebba's work was characterized by rotund, heavy figures and objects, emphasized by solid, clear contours. In 1967 he moved to Germany, where he lived until his death.
Copper, partially plated with silver-toned metal; raised and hammered. Diameter: approx. 34 cm. Good condition. Plating on front worn and partially missing. Warping.