A forum for the benefit of collectors of the wares of Pal-Bell, which manufactured fine Israeli metalcrafts circa 1939 to 1956.

ABOUT PAL-BELL

In 1939 in Tel-Aviv, Israel, Maurice Ascalon (formerly known as Moshe Klein) founded Pal-Bell Co. Ltd., with the mission of creating tasteful decorative and functional metalwork and Judaica of the highest quality.

From its founding in 1939, until 1956, Pal-Bell - a.k.a. Palbell - created scores of distinct brass and bronze items. Its wares ranged from decorative bowls, vases, pitchers, trivits and ashtrays, secular in motif, often Art Deco in style; to traditional styled, Judaic-themed commemorative plates, candle sticks, menorahs, bookends, figurines and more.

Maurice Ascalon, who received formal artistic training in Brussels and Milan, was also Pal-Bell's chief designer. Through Pall-Bell, Ascalon introduced the use of green patina to Israel's modern metal craft industry. The application of reactive chemicals to the raw bronze and brass gave many Pal-Bell items their unique "antique" verdigris appearance. This technique was later imitated by other Israeli metal craft companies, and the green patina style became a hallmark of 20th century Israeli metalware.

Pal-Bell's products were a favorite of tourists visiting Israel, especially during the early 1950s, which saw the company's height of production. Pal-Bell also exported a large quantity of its items worldwide, primarily to the United States and Britain, where they were sold in select retail stores. Pal-Bell's two factories, located on the outskirts of Tel-Aviv, towards Jaffa, employed as many as 100 people. Today, Pal-Bell originals are highly valued collectables among Judaica, metalware and tobacciana enthusiasts.