🔎 UNIDENTIFIED Older Unmarked Silver Catholic Cross...Age?

[ajaj]

Yup, an older Catholic cross that is silver but unmarked. Any idea of age? Thanks, just curious.

aj

 

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[tamrock]

Any possibility these might be tiny stamped marks that I've circled?

 

[ajaj]

Unfortunately, no. They do not look like hallmarks under a jeweler's loupe. However, under the loupe, the top of the cross is Mary whereas the three other tips of the cross look like griffins, or satanic-like creatures. A little creepy! Anyway, an older relative who is Catholic stated the piece looks like a "nun's cross"?

aj

 

[Red-Coat]

It's a lovely example.

The griffin was adopted as a Christian emblem in mediaeval times, symbolising the two natures of Christ. The lion character of the griffin as lord of the earth (‘king of beasts’) and the eagle character as lord of the skies (and symbolic of the rise to heaven). Together, they served as an allegory for the true King of heaven and earth. Or, alternatively, lion and eagle as symbols of Christ’s humanity and divinity respectively. The griffin is also commonly depicted in Christian art as a protector: one that is noble, just and loyal.

Doesn’t help much in dating since crucifixes in this style have been used since at least the 1400s through to the present, although the griffin imagery is somewhat ‘out-of fashion’ these days.

 

[ajaj]

Interesting about the griffins. Not to beat a dead horse, but, one more question...what would it mean that the piece does not have any silver purity markings? Not for sale on the market? Made prior to marking regulations?

aj

 

[tamrock]

Interesting about the griffins. Not to beat a dead horse, but, one more question...what would it mean that the piece does not have any silver purity markings? Not for sale on the market? Made prior to marking regulations?

aj

I have found unmarked silver before. The only thing I can conclude is, it was simply never marked for what ever reason. Do you know if this piece you have is pure silver?

 

[SeabeeRon]

It is a beautiful piece if nothing else!

 

[digi-shots]

Nice find.. I can’t really add much but I agree it looks like a “nun’s“ cross. Many nuns were gifted a cross when they finished their vows and became a nun. They are usually oversized maybe 4” to 5” long and worn around their neck. This one has a feminine look to it, complete with scrolls and flowers.