Vintage Grand & Handcrafted Israeli Sterling Silver Beaded Hanukkah Dreidel, Ornate Textured Design, Circa 1980

This sterling silver dreidel is a traditional four-sided spinning top used during the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah to play a game involving nuts, coins, or chocolate gelt. Measuring approximately 3.5″ in height and 1.5″ in width and weighing 57 grams, this “Large” or “Grand” collector-sized piece is a notable example of modern ceremonial Judaica. While the specific maker is not explicitly marked on the exterior, this “beaded” or “dotted” style is a hallmark of contemporary Israeli silversmith studios like Nadav Art or Shoham Jerusalem, who often use electroforming techniques to create these ornate, textured designs.

Based on its substantial scale, the modern silver-forming methods used, and its specific aesthetic, this piece most likely dates from the late 20th century circa 1980. Each of its four sides bears a Hebrew letter—Nun, Gimmel, Hay, and Shin—which together form the acronym for “Nes Gadol Hayah Sham,” meaning “A great miracle happened there,” referring to the miracle of the oil in the Holy Temple. Beyond its role as a functional game piece, a high-quality sterling silver dreidel of this size serves as a decorative centerpiece and a popular collector’s item within Jewish homes.

Dimenions: height 3.5″ x width 1.5″ x weight 57 grams