FAGIN [‘The Jew’] Copper antisemitic bottle opener, 19th century.
The figure of FAGIN presented as a Jewish criminal and leader of a group of pickpocket children is taken from the novel ‘Oliver Twist’ by Charles Dickens [published in 1838], the stereotypical character appears in the book as a Jew in neglected clothing and unruly hair. In the novel, Feigin is most blatantly described as an evil villain and may be teaching children how to steal, and is often mentioned not by his first name, but by the nickname “the Jew.” Although in his later years, Dickens was disturbed by the stereotypical image he created, following the sale of his house in London to the Jewish banker James David, and in later editions of the book many of the “Jewish” mentions omitted refer to the criminal FAGIN,
Nevertheless, the figure was accepted throughout Europe in various forms as a typical figure for the “jewish” crook and the thief.
Size: 8×10 cm. some scratches. Good condition.
