We have in our collection some very unusual Menorahs, none of which as unique as this one, which is made from a front plate of an Austrian soldier's cap made with the fur of a bear. ​

In the center of the plate we see the double headed eagle- the symbol of the Hapsburg Empire which represents the United Roman Empire (east and west). This symbol was used by many Royal houses in Europe with claims to the title Holy Roman Emperor. On each side of the eagle we see the monogram of Friedrich I (1765-1740). In the lower part we see weapons, spears, canons and swords in between flames of fire. 

 

We do not know if this plate was a keepsake of a Jewish officer in the Austrian Army or the spoils of war. How and when this menorah ended up in Italy is also a question worth asking, but it is important to remember that Austria ruled parts of Northern Italy for many years till the mid 18th Century.  

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One can only guess what meaning this depiction on a menorah must have. Perhaps the heroism of the Jewish soldiers in the 18th and 19th centuries is compared here to that of the Hasmoneans that fought so bravely against the Greeks.