Religious pendant

Tony12100 · Jun 25, 2014

Returned to the old tavern site I have been digging .Trailered the lawn tractor in to knock the high grass down. Last week I found a NJ copper and an old button. Today I dug this large religious pendant with what appears to be Mary holding a chalice in one hand and mixing something in the other..can any tell me what it all represents..there's no marking on the back at all appears to be made of bronze.
There was a red ruby on top of the cup..it popped out somewhere in my truck..I'm so upset about that.

Subterranean · Jun 25, 2014

Tony, that is a very nice artifact, congrats. I would take a high powered flashlight and a sticky tape roller (used for clothing) to every surface of the truck in hopes to find the ruby. If not, put a single nylon stocking in the hard suction hose of a vacuum, then hold it in place with the plastic tip. When you vacuum, all things will get stuck in the nylon for you to inspect. Good luck, Sub 8-)

JunkShopFiddler · Jun 25, 2014

Hey, Mr. Tony. My opinion of what you have there is actually a depiction of Saint Barbara. In one hand is actually a chalice, but in the other hand is not a mixing instrument, but is actually the handle and hilt of a downward pointing sword. Don't know the significance of those items or St. Barbara but here is a pic.

vpnavy · Jun 25, 2014

Great find! Thanks for sharing...

park pirate · Jun 26, 2014

Nice one..

Msbeepbeep · Jun 26, 2014

Nice save! Hope you find the ruby!
At lest it's lost where you have a chance of finding it. I pulled a religious pendant out of the beach sand minus the stone, no finding that one! Nice site you've got!