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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[DJ_Quinn]

Re: Crucifix 1700's?

Nice. It's European. There was an almost identical one on ebay, (sold for $51), and here is the description:

This most rare and unusual inlaid Crucifix is plated with chrome, probably over brass. It is inlaid with mahogany or ebony to which the Body of Christ and the other elements are nailed. On the back is the Sacred Heart of Jesus encircled with the Crown of Thorns, also in chrome. It is large, 5 1/4 inches tall, and 2 3/8 inches wide. It is European, and most likely was brought to this country by a nun, priest or religious brother. These Crucifixes were traditionally hung in the cell of a nun or monk, to remind them of the Passion of Christ, and to mediate upon the Four Last Things - Death and Judgement, Heaven and Hell. The Catholic Faithful occasionally treasured these Crucifixes as well, as an enhancement to their spiritual lives. At the top of the cross is a metal piece with the letters “INRI” in a scroll. These are the initials for the Latin phrase, “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.” This is what Pilate ordered to be placed on the cross while Christ was being crucified. Above Christ’s head is an elaborate halo. At His feet is the Skull and Crossbones that makes this an especially rare piece. Most inlaid crucifixes were made without the Skull and Crossbones. Quite often when they had them, people pried them off because they felt uncomfortable with them. The age and high quality of this Crucifix is indicated that the Body of Christ is solid and three-dimensional, not hollow in the back as most are. The skull and bones have many symbolic meanings. All Catholics are encouraged to meditate on the “Four Last Things - Death and Judgment, Heaven and Hell”, so that they will live in a state of grace and prepare themselves for Heaven. The skull is a great reminder of human mortality. Jesus Christ was crucified on Golgotha - “the place of the skull”. There is a legend that Christ, the New Adam, who conquered sin and death, was crucified on the gravesite of the first man, Adam, who brought sin and death into the world through his disobedience to God. The skull is a symbol of Adam’s grave - antique prints of the Crucifixion often show a skull at the foot of the Cross. Most important of all, the skull and bones are placed beneath Jesus’ feet, to show that He triumphed over death and sin on our behalf. The Crucifix is in excellent condition, with occasional and very slight wear to the chrome finish. There are some slight defects that appear to be artifacts of the manufacturing process, rather than later damage. This piece has been very well-kept, probably treasured dearly. It is of European origin, and dates back to the 1920's or earlier. It was probably made in what is now Germany. This is a very rare item in great condition - it is an inspiration as well!

 

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[gollum]

Re: Crucifix 1700's?

Here you go. Looks like a "Coffin Crucifix" from the early 1800s. Check out this website:

http://www.rosaryworkshop.com/MUSEUM-CRUCIFIXES-MB-European.htm

Best,

Mike

 

[skalleewag]

Re: Crucifix 1700's?

exc. report d. j.

 

[civilman1]

Re: Crucifix 1700's?

Beautiful find 93.....Thank's gollum.

 

[weldermark]

Re: Crucifix 1700's?

coffin crucifix ,google crucifix with skull and cross bones and you get lots of info.

HH Mark

 

[Bavaria Mike]

Re: Crucifix 1700's?

I found the same type today on a German field. It is probably mid to late 1800s, has wooden inlay and yours is in nice condition. Better preserve it fast or that wood will deteriorate quick. Probably part of a Rosary Necklace. HH, Mike

 

[93vector]

Re: Crucifix 1700's? (added new pictures)

I hope these pictures are better

 

[thompy]

Re: Crucifix 1700's? (added new pictures)

pretty cool find, thompy

 

[ivan salis]

Re: Crucifix 1700's? (added new pictures)

skull at christ feet means "christ has rose above / beaten death" -(death being the skull and crossed bones ) the plaque above his head INRI -- I AM THE KING OF THE JEWS -- AS PUT ON THE CROSS BY THE ROMANS * -- --OLD PIECE

 

[worldtalker]

Re: Crucifix 1700's? (added new pictures)

Look close to the way the wood is inlayed INTO the brass.Brother you best check further into that piece,WHAT A FIND!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Marc(NB)]

Re: Crucifix 1700's? (added new pictures)

awesome find!! Religious artifacts are my fav finds

 

[Curious The George]

Re: Crucifix 1700's? (added new pictures)

Great find. I don't think wood would survive in that good of condition buried in the ground for 200 years or even 100 years.

 

[steelheadwill]

Re: Crucifix 1700's? (added new pictures)

Great find. I don't think wood would survive in that good of condition buried in the ground for 200 years or even 100 years.

Nice Find!
This may help with dating, the brassbound design is somewhat similar.
box says: 1949 over 200 years old from Italy..

 

[mile-ender]

Re: Crucifix 1700's? (added new pictures)

Awesome! Add it to the post with the others - http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php/topic,292617.msg2672091.html#msg2672091

 

[hombre_de_plata_flaco]

Re: Crucifix 1700's? (added new pictures)

I had one just like this. Mine was made in Germany. The wood was mahogany, I think. I bought it at a Flea Market for $5.00 and sold it for $50.00

 

[capt.caveman]

Re: Crucifix 1700's? (added new pictures)

THis crcifix is a very nice find. It is circa 1830,s and is Spanish Benedictine. It was at one time connected to a 15 chain rosary. The loop is just broken off the top. These crosses were usually carried by Benedictine Priests. The wood is rosewood and the beads on the chain that would have been connected to it would have been rosewood as well. 150 rosewood beads to be exact and over thirty hand carved connector beads between each chain. If you research the area you will probably find some referance to a benedictine church or monastary in the area. As these priests rarely traveled. I have found several of these complete rosaries on the sites of colonial church sites in louisiana. If I had a way to post pictures I could show you what the complete rosarie would have looked like. But none the less you have a rare and old find even if it's not complete.

 

[kmwakak8]

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.

I have the very same crucifix- same size etc. This is the first time in 9 years I have found one so closely resembling mine. I used a touch of water and Mr clean magic eraser to bring out detail as I never use chemicals on things like this.


I have been trying to get more info about this piece for a while now!

 

[joesdigs]

That's one beautiful find.... Love religious items... Reminds me that there is good in the world and people whatever religion need faith. Congrats on that

 

[Tarponhuntr]

Since wood is my career , I thought I may add this little tidbit to help you or perhaps confuse you a bit in your search.
The wood does appear to be ebony from what I can see in the pictures. However , this is where it gets confusing. Any wood that would survive that long in the ground on the east coast would not be indigenous to North America !!!! These species are typically found in South America or the African continent.

So , it would be my first guess that perhaps it was from a Spainish missionary or monk that was dropped or perhaps as you said attached to their coffin.
The strange part to me is that in all of my history studies , I am not familiar with any large scale presence of the Spainiards to the NE of the US.

I guess it is possible that it came over to the colonies ,brought by a Catholic , but that still leaves me wondering about the Crucifix's origin. Such as "why would a European Catholic be in possession of a crucifix made out of South American materials?" MAN! I so love the mysteries we uncover !!!

Great find!!!!

 

[joesdigs]

Found this online