New to this site... I dug this awhile back using a Fisher CZ70.

Deputy Dave

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Deputy Dave

Deputy Dave

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One of the medallions has initials on it and date of 1832. I'll try and get a photo posted.
 

SODABOTTLEBOB

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I've decided to focus on one item at a time and chose this Miraculous Medal. Notice it dosen't have any writing, but rather has decorative cut-outs around the edges. About 99% of similar one's I've seen are all dated 1830, which is when the miraculous event took place. However, according to the one link I posted, it said the first 1,500 medals weren't made and distributed until 1832.

Here's the link again: http://www.wherewewalked.info/feasts/11-November/11-27.htm

There are jillions of variations of this medal, but by looking for the one with the cut-outs may be a way to date it.


What Is It Religious Medal - Rotated.png
 

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Deputy Dave

Deputy Dave

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I'll get post a picture of the medallion with the date on it shortly.
 

SODABOTTLEBOB

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Dave ~

Based on what I have been seeing, the 1830 and 1832 dates refer to the event(s) and not necessarily when they were made. There are even brand new one's that have the 1830 date. All of which is quite confusing to say the least. For now I am going to focus on the decorative cut-outs and not the date(s).

One of the key words is ... Filigree ... which refers to what I have been calling the cut-outs. Yours has what I think of as paisley-type filigree.

SBB
 

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Deputy Dave

Deputy Dave

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Ok, still not able to put the picture up yet but will soon. The date and initials look like they are engraved as for as I can remember. I'm not at the house right so I can't post it yet.
 

SODABOTTLEBOB

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Dave ~

I can already see this is going to be a tough nut to crack. There are just too many variations. In the past hour or so I have looked at several hundred variations, and not one of them was an exact match to yours. Plus, about 99% of the one's I did look at were simply described as either "Antique" or "Vintage" with the individuals who posted them not having a clue as to exactly how old they were.

I think for the time being I am going to call it quits and recommend you have everything looked at by a true expert who is familiar with that kind of stuff. There are just way too many variations on the internet to even begin to make sense of everything.

However, I will look forward to seeing any close-up pictures you post and let you know if I happen to stumble across anything helpful. You made a great find ... but, man, is it confusing trying to figure it all out.

Thanks for sharing.

SBB


This one is similar (sort of) and the closest match I could find. It is filigreed, but there was absolutely no indication as to when it was made. It was simply described as "antique." :icon_scratch:


Miraculous Medal.jpg

Miraculous Medal - Back.jpg
 

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Deputy Dave

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Thanks for the information, this has had me puzzled for quite awhile.
 

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Deputy Dave

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Bigcypresshunter

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There are millions of these medals and they are very tough to date.

I suggested earlier to research when STERLING was first used on silver because I forgot.

You may also research when aluminum became less valuable.
During the Civil War aluminum was more valuable than gold so anything aluminum is at least after that.


Yes 1830 is the event, not the date of the medal.

There were some old Jesuit crosses found in Pensacola posted here to compare if you can find the threads. I think found by Pcolaboy or a similar name.
 

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Bigcypresshunter

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Here's a closer look at the same (or similar link) that Big Cy posted earlier. It has a little more info on the Virgin Mary image and hallmark, but still nothing specific.

I'm beginning to think the M is for Mary or Miraculous/Medal and not a hallmark. :dontknow:

SBB

The Meaning of the Miraculous Medal | eHow.com

Marian Feasts - November 27

View attachment 632746
Correct the M is definitely not a hallmark. I thought you would see that when I posted the Miraculous Medal link. What I thought might be a hallmark is STERLING and the Sterling stamp is a huge clue to dating this ring.

Im leaning toward early 20th century on most if not all of these Catholic items.

I have positively dated some of the medals as 20th century but Im not sure yet but some may be a bit older late 1800's (in my opinion).
 

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Bigcypresshunter

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glenn63

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May 3, 2012
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I would at least have that crown checked out. How do you know the ages of the other stuff? Do they have hallmarks?

Glenn
 

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