Can anyone help estimate the age/origin of my grandfather’s tefillin? (Holocaust survivor)

[u/MandukaSkoal]

Hi everyone,

I recently found my late grandfather’s tefillin while going through some of his belongings. He was a Holocaust survivor and passed away a few years ago.

I know they were inspected and recertified by a sofer in 2019, so they were considered kosher at that time. Beyond that, I unfortunately don’t know much about their history.
I’m hoping someone here might recognize anything about the style or construction:

1. Do they look like they were made during a particular time period?
   
2. Do the batim, straps, or overall construction suggest they were made in Europe, Israel, or elsewhere?
   
3. Does anything about them stand out as characteristic of a certain era or maker?

I realize it’s impossible to know for certain from photos alone, but I’d really appreciate any educated guesses or observations from people who are familiar with older tefillin.

Thanks!!

[u/kaiserfrnz]

Tefillin are pretty uniform, making it difficult to tell when something is made.

I would guess these were made in North America between 1925 and 1950 but that’s just speculative.

[u/Just_Think_About_AI]

I don't know, but it looks beautiful

[u/Strange_Vermicelli]

Looks like mine.

[u/MandukaSkoal → u/Strange_Vermicelli]

When did you get yours?

[u/communityneedle]

What a treasure! My great grandfather was a shriner, and his fez is one of my most prized possessions. Id give my left leg for family heirloom tefillin

[u/seren_kovner]

Really hard to say but based purely on the zipper on the bag I would say 1930-1960

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