Please help identify

pdmw

Greenie
Aug 26, 2013
11
1
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I found this in a box of things I collected while in the Caribbean. My father started me on coin collecting and treasure collecting when I was a child and still at it. This piece was black from being in the ocean forever and finally decided to clean it. To my amazement the color under everything was gold. I have no idea when or where it was from. Any help appreciated.

Thanks.
 

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old man

Bronze Member
Aug 12, 2003
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pdmw, since it is obvious that it is very old and details are not very good. I will venture a guess that it is an Old Religious metal.
 

Darren in NC

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Apr 1, 2004
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My best guess would be that it's a brass pendant depicting St. Christopher on one side and Our Lady of the Highway on the other. They are usually depicted opposite of each other and were used for good luck in traveling. She was sometimes shown with rays emanating from her as yours seems to show. She also seemed to be styled in an A-frame posture similar to the depiction of the St. Mary pendant below. But your St. Christopher side looks almost melted, or at least badly corroded. But you can see his staff on the left side of your pendant. I hope this helps.

lady of the highway.jpg
 

Red_desert

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Feb 21, 2008
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Nice find! yes, I thought those were supposed to be good travel medals myself, perhaps a comfort for people on ships.
 

OP
OP
pdmw

pdmw

Greenie
Aug 26, 2013
11
1
Milwaukee
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Agreed guys, thanks for the help! One thing is that I've never seen brass this color and it is extremely soft in comparison.
 

monita.secreta

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Jul 18, 2014
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I found this in a box of things I collected while in the Caribbean. My father started me on coin collecting and treasure collecting when I was a child and still at it. This piece was black from being in the ocean forever and finally decided to clean it. To my amazement the color under everything was gold. I have no idea when or where it was from. Any help appreciated.

Thanks.

is there a way you can scan this so I can see the detail better?
 

Red_desert

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Feb 21, 2008
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St. Christopher 18K gold pendant, looks a brighter yellowish color in photos than brass.
 

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Trez

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May 10, 2006
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PDMW,

I am pretty sure this is your medallion, pretty sure, lol.
What looks like a staff as Darren stated... I think may actually be the cross depicting the crucifixion of Christ.
Bronze as base metal that was severely corroded and heavily cleaned?

S. MARIA GUADALUPE ???

medallasa.JPG medallas.JPG
 

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Red_desert

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Feb 21, 2008
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I put his image through my software, looks entirely different with close up inspection.
 

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Red_desert

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Feb 21, 2008
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One more in closer, best I can do, considering the size of photo here.

"S. MARIA GUADALUPE" appears to be correct.
 

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Darren in NC

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Apr 1, 2004
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I think you nailed it, Trez. The details of your pics are great. I would agree that the "staff" sure appears to be the crucifixion. While there are some variances, it pretty close to being the same depictions. Also, i would agree that based on the initials on yours, that the lady is clearly "Santa Maria de Guadelupe." I wasn't sure which to choose (Guadelupe or Highway) and deferred to Our Lady of the Highway since I assumed it was a good luck pendant for traveling. Both ladies emanate rays, but the reverse arch under her is more common to Guadelupe - something I missed on the first pass at it. Nice work.

Edit - I put the coin faces side by side for comparison...

medallion comp 1.png medallion comp 2.png
 

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OP
OP
pdmw

pdmw

Greenie
Aug 26, 2013
11
1
Milwaukee
Detector(s) used
Fisher F5
Primary Interest:
All Treasure Hunting
Thanks for all the great input and yes, you nailed it. Still not 100% sure on the metal but everything else adds up perfectly.
 

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