Inkstand of Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneersohn, the Tzemach Tzedek of Lubavitch. Purchased by his son Rebbe Shmuel, the Maharash, during one of his trips abroad.

Inkstand – tray with two small holders for inkwells, and a large holder in the center for other writing accessories. Two silver pins under the tray secure the holders in place. Decorated with foliate designs; resting on four stylized feet. Silver marked: Birmingham – 1841; maker's mark: R.E.A. (Robinson, Edkins and Aston).
Letter of authenticity enclosed (handwritten note, in English), signed in Hebrew by Rebbetzin Chana Gurary (1899-1991), eldest daughter of Rebbe Rayatz: "I hereby gift... the silver inkwell that the Tzemach Tzedek received as a gift from his son - the Maharash - my great-grandfather. He bought it during one of his trips abroad". Dated – 10th December 1989. Enclosed: fountain pen (late) and wooden box which were presumably also used by the rebbe or his family (the pen and box were given together with the inkstand, but are not mentioned in the letter of authenticity).

Rebbe Maharash's Travels
Rebbe Maharash's involvement in communal work began already in the lifetime of his father the Tzemach Tzedek, and he would travel regularly to Kiev and St. Petersburg to lobby on behalf of Russian Jewry, and annul the various decrees imposed on them. His first trip abroad was in 1858. He visited Italy and Germany, and met with communal leaders and activists. He made similar trips in 1859-1862. Even after the passing of his father the Tzemach Tzedek, and his appointment in 1866 as rebbe of Lubavitch, the Maharash continued his communal work and his trips across Europe for this purpose. Between 1868-1880, he travelled repeatedly within Russia and abroad, both to visit health spas and doctors, and for communal matters. Based on the enclosed letter, Rebbe Maharash purchased the present inkstand on one of his early trips abroad, and gave it as a gift to his father the Tzemach Tzedek.

Approx. 23.5X16.5 cm. Good condition. Minor defects. Without the inkwells and writing accessories (which were originally part of the stand).