Description
House of Emirates in London is so proud to present its elite clientele this small antique silver crucifix, likely from the 18th century, exhibiting detailed craftsmanship typical of devotional Christian artifacts of that era.
Material: Silver
Weight: 2 g
Length: 3 cm ( small )
Type: Crucifix (Christian Cross with Corpus Christi)
Era: Likely 18th Century
Origin: European (common in Italy, France, or Spain during this period)
Front View Highlights:
Corpus Christi: The figure of Christ is sculpted in a traditional crucifix pose, with fine details in the anatomy and drapery.
INRI Inscription: At the top of the cross is the “INRI” plaque, an abbreviation of the Latin “Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum” (Jesus the Nazarene, King of the Jews).
Base Detailing: There’s a subtle engraved signature or maker’s mark at the lower part of the vertical arm. It appears to be a series of characters or a hallmark.
Back View Highlights:
Decorative Motifs: The back of the crucifix is engraved with a stylized pattern, possibly floral or symbolic Christian designs, adding to its devotional and artistic value.
Maker’s Mark: The close-up of the bottom rear side clearly shows what could be either:
A silversmith’s hallmark
A religious order symbol
A location stamp (sometimes used in antique pieces to indicate the place of origin)
The engraving looks like it might say “BERN” or something similar, possibly referencing Bern, Switzerland, which had known religious artifact production in the 17th–18th centuries.
Additional Notes:
Wear & Patina: The piece has a natural patina and surface wear consistent with age and use, enhancing its authenticity and historical charm.