Found an interesting pendant, where can I take it to find out more about it?

[FelixWankel]

Hello,

This is my first post here . I just joined last night after trying to do some online searches regarding this pendant that I found while detecting in CA. Anyways, I was detecting and found this pendant about 2 feet deep. When I pulled it out of the earth, I had no idea it was even a pendant. It just looked like a chunk of super hard dirt. I brought it home and not knowing what to do with it, I let it sit over night in a cup of water with dish washing detergent. The next morning, I used a sonic care toothbrush on it and low and behold, I discovered a pendant inside. The dirt you still see on it did not come off and is super hard! I cannot just break it of with my fingers.

Anyways, it is a Catholic pendent and has the words "Sainte Anne De Beaupre" on it. It also has what looks like a "P" down near the bottom? Maybe a makers mark or something. The back of the pendant has what looks like Joshua. I don't know the material of the pendant but it is not metalic. I can see some golden color or maybe brass color coming through in parts of it.

I have done quite a bit of searching on google for "Sainte Anne De Beaupre" and everything I find leads to this being a saint that the French Pilgrims prayed to for safe passage to North America, and I keep getting led back to the 1600's. I did learn that there is a Basilica in Canada named after this saint. I believe I read that the original Basilica was built in the 1600's and has been rebuilt several times since then into what stands today.

Anyways, I am attaching pictures of the pendant. This is a little larger than an inch in lengh, maybe 1.5 inches in its longest part.


Can someone please recommend some type of specialist that I can take this to, or someone I can contact to find out more about this piece? If it's really as old as I think it could be? I'd be nice to see if I have anything valuable here.

Thanks for any info or suggestions.

 

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[NicJohn]

wow. what a find. im new too but i'd say u really have somthing here

 

[FelixWankel]

wow. what a find. im new too but i'd say u really have somthing here

I sure hope so. I found this thing in a mountainous area, it is not really frequented by many. I was shocked to say the least. I think I may stop by a local prospecting shop I know. The owner is really nice and might be able to recommend someone that I can take it to. This was my first find with the detector by the way.

 

[Fritos56]

On Etsy there is one selling for $210.00 .I searched St.Anne de Beaupre and that's how I found it. It's in very good condition and shows St. Anne,mother of the Virgin Mary,holding Our Lady as an infant. You might try an antique dealer,especially one who handles old jewelery and religious items.Or you can contact the Kovel's and send them photos and information .

 

[Joe hunter]

I found some similar but not exact .i think she's the patron saint of women.
Could be worth a bundle to a feminist organization .
Welcome to treasure net happy happy hunting

 

[chili501]

I would take it to a Catholic Church in your area.