Crucifix 1700s? (added new pictures)

[93vector]

Crucifix 1700's? (added new pictures)

Found this crucifix with my metal detector this spring in my yard in Rhode Island. I know this property was farmland at one time. I have done some research online and from what i have been told it is bronze handmade, probably 1700's. You can see the filemarks still to this day. A woman out of Quebec said it was probably either carried by a Monk or a coffin crucifix. She thinks it is ebony within the bronze. She also stated that the skull and crossbones represented life over death.

If anyone has any other thoughts, please let me know.

 

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[cryptodave]

Re: Crucifix 1700's?

That is one sweet crucifix! Did you dig it?

 

[93vector]

Re: Crucifix 1700's?

yes i found it with my metal detector. Sure surprised me.

 

[Monty]

Re: Crucifix 1700's?

The answer will probably be found somewhere in the history of your property. I'd go back as far as I could and see what the land was once used for. Monty

 

[kenb]

Re: Crucifix 1700's?

Cant help with an ID, but its a great find to say the least. congrats and good luck IDing it.

kenb

 

[Nashoba]

Re: Crucifix 1700's?

That IS a very nice crucifix...The possibility of it being as old as you say is even more exciting than the object in my opinion. It's in very nice shape for something of that age. Keep us updated!
Kudos and HH
~Nash~

 

[Moonshadow]

Re: Crucifix 1700's?

Very cool! Looks quite similar to one I found last year. Mine didn't have the Skull and Cross Bones though.

WTG!!

HH,
Moon

 

[jscorpio]

Re: Crucifix 1700's?

very cool. I have been hoping to find one myself.

 

[Danimal]

Re: Crucifix 1700's?

Can we get a few well-lit closeups?...that is one very interesting looking artifact.

 

[coinman66]

Re: Crucifix 1700's?

Very nice artifact! How deep was it? Keep us updated. Coinman66

 

[93vector]

Re: Crucifix 1700's?

wasen't very deep actually....maybe 6-8 inches

 

[DCMatt]

Re: Crucifix 1700's?

Cool find! Are you sure your house isn't built on a cemetery?

Some good close-ups would help.

The skull and cross bones was not uncommon before 1850. Here's some info from a Catholic forum:
_________
When the skull appears below the cross, it is a reference to the tradition which states that Christ was crucified above the spot where Adam lay buried. Therefore, the skull sometimes symbolizes Adam’s skull and Christ’s triumph over death brought about by the Fall. The Spanish frequently use this imagery of the skull below the cross in their art.
__________

I found some other "lore" RE the skull and bones. Seems it took on a different (bad) connotation in the 1800's and was dropped as a Christian icon. Lots of information and speculation about crucifixes on the Internet...

It could have been attached to a rosary. Is there a loop on the top?

The sign above the head of Jesus says "INRI" I think that stands for - found "IN Rhode Island" I know, I know... I'm going to hell...

DCMatt

 

[Ridley]

Re: Crucifix 1700's?

More close ups would help. Maybe of the back as well.

It's beautiful!



Ridley

 

[Patrol]

Re: Crucifix 1700's?

Dear Vector,

I have an identical cross given to me by my father who told me it was my grandfather's cross that my grandfather carried while on patrol as a policeman. My grandfather was born in Ireland in the late 1800's. I believe the cross is either from the late 1800's or early 1900's.

Mine is also brass but with silver plating, which is wearing off. I suspect yours too was silver plated but wore off over time in the ground. The wood is also an ebony looking wood. I have lost the halo over Jesus's head. There is just a hole their where it was pinned.

This cross has brought great fortune in the face of danger to all who carry it. My grandfather through years of police work in Jersey City, NJ and me with close to 200 combat missions in Vietnam. It is by me whenever there is any danger such as surgical operations, etc. It has never failed my family and with good fortune may yours never fail yours. Keep it.

TE

 

[fossis]

Re: Crucifix 1700's?

Great find 93 vector, I would keep it also.

And to Daydream, I salute you my Brother, & all who served our country in the Vietnam war, I had a much easier, & (safer) job burying the fallen in Arlington National Cemetary............................Fossis HH

 

[lonewolfe]

Re: Crucifix 1700's?

nice find!

HH

 

[Patrol]

Re: Crucifix 1700's?

Thanks Fossis for the nice words.

Now that I look at the cross I see subtle differences. They are very much alike though and would love to know the where and when. I don't know where or when my grandfather received the cross. The late 1800's was a guess. Nonetheless, it's a great find.

I suspect that Rhode Island's Catholic population didn't arrive until after the early 1800's.

TE

 

[eathabs]

Re: Crucifix 1700's?

well done 93!!!

 

[King-John]

Re: Crucifix 1700's?

Nice Crucifix, it's sure is nice to find HISTORY, it always makes my mind waunder back in time to know How, What and Why it was in the ground.

King-J

 

[gollum]

Re: Crucifix 1700's?

Amazing find!

Your cross most likely dates from the very early 1800's. If Spanish, they stopped using the Skull and Crossbones on their crucifixes in about 1827, opting for the INRI Scroll above Christ's Head. Yours has both, so is probably from the time of the changeover (about 1820-1830).

Best,

Mike