Brass Vintage Paper Holder with Hebrew Inscription

Good day!

I am needing some assistance please with identifying a vintage, paper holder in a heavy brass casing. On the front of the piece there is a shield with leaves and dagger. At the bottom of this is Hebrew inscription. At the back is another inscription in Hebrew, most likely where it was made.

Your advice will be most welcome.

Thank you.

 

The emblem of the sword and olive branch appears to be a version of that used by the IDF (Israel Defense Force) and the earlier paramilitary Haganah. Google translates the text on the back as something like "Handicraft Made In Israel". It was not able to translate the text on the front.

 

A lot of 'vintage' Arts & Crafts (appearing) metalwork i've encountered in the last decade is from Israel.They do nice work.

 

You dont give a size but it looks like a little notepad holder.

 

I'd bet the front says something Israel. Defend Israel maybe.

 

מדינתישראל
State of Israel

 

Thank God for once it didn't say-Made In China !

 

Hello Johnny,

You are correct. It is a notepad holder. The size is 13cm height x 8cm width.

 

Thank you!

 

This one is actally by a very high profile and collectable workshop, Maskit. Says so above the "made in Israel".
Maskit was founded by socialite Ruth Dayan, wife of chief of staff Moshe Dayan. They were elite, salt of the earth, the closest Israel had to nobility, and her company sold ethnic-inspired designer clothes, jewelry and art to anyone who mattered.

 

No wonder it has the IDF logo on it then.