When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
DDP Shipping to the USA:
All import duties, customs fees, and taxes have been prepaid. No additional charges will be due upon delivery.Rare Antique Bavarian Catholic Rosary – Tested Silver, Uranium Vaseline Glass, Enamel & Our Lady of Altötting – c.1900–1920
Offered for sale is an exceptional antique Catholic pilgrimage rosary originating from Bavaria, Germany, and dating to approximately c.1900–1920.
This is a particularly beautiful and unusual example combining professionally tested silver, faceted green uranium / vaseline glass beads, intricate silver filigree work, polychrome enamel decoration, a large crucifix and a double-sided devotional medallion associated with Our Lady of Altötting.
A wonderful piece for collectors of antique rosaries, Catholic devotional objects, Bavarian pilgrimage souvenirs, antique silver filigree and uranium glass.
DETAILS
- Origin: Bavaria, Germany
- Date: Approximately c.1900–1920
- Overall Length: Approx. 40 cm / 15.75 inches
- Beads: 55 faceted green glass beads
- Glass: Uranium / Vaseline glass
- Metal: Professionally tested silver
- Silver Fineness: Tested by a professional jeweler at no less than approximately 800/1000 silver
- Hallmarks: No visible silver hallmark
URANIUM / VASELINE GLASS BEADS
The rosary is composed of 55 beautifully faceted translucent green glass beads.
Under UV / blacklight the beads display an exceptionally strong and vivid neon-green fluorescence, characteristic of uranium / vaseline glass. The dramatic UV reaction can be clearly seen in the photographs included with the listing.
The faceted surfaces give the beads excellent brilliance in normal daylight as well, making the rosary visually striking both under ordinary light and UV illumination.
ORNATE SILVER FILIGREE WORK
The rosary incorporates elaborate openwork silver elements throughout, including decorative filigree spacer beads, an impressive crucifix and a large devotional medallion.
The metal has been professionally tested by a jeweler as silver of at least approximately 800/1000 fineness. No visible hallmark is present.
The intricate openwork construction is especially attractive and displays the fine craftsmanship associated with European devotional jewelry of the period.
LARGE FILIGREE & ENAMEL CRUCIFIX
One of the most impressive features is the large and highly decorative silver filigree crucifix.
At its center is a colorful polychrome enamel cross decorated in turquoise-green, pink, white and red tones. The enamel is held within an elaborate openwork silver surround, creating a particularly ornate and distinctive devotional centerpiece.
The crucifix displays genuine age-related character, including fine hairline cracking to the enamel and a small area of enamel loss near the upper junction of the cross, all clearly documented in the close-up photographs.
DOUBLE-SIDED DEVOTIONAL MEDALLION
The rosary is further distinguished by its beautiful double-sided circular silver filigree devotional medallion.
One side contains a miniature religious depiction associated with the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
The reverse depicts Our Lady of Altötting – the famous Black Madonna of Altötting – together with the Christ Child, shown in the characteristic ceremonial robes and crowned devotional presentation associated with the celebrated Bavarian pilgrimage shrine.
The miniature images are protected beneath their original transparent covers and retain attractive period color and detail.
OUR LADY OF ALTÖTTING
Altötting is one of the most historically important Catholic pilgrimage destinations in Bavaria and is particularly associated with the veneration of Our Lady of Altötting (the Black Madonna).
The Altötting imagery gives this rosary an additional historical and devotional significance beyond its decorative qualities and strongly connects the piece with the tradition of Bavarian pilgrimage objects.
CONDITION
Beautiful antique condition for its age.
The rosary retains an attractive natural silver patina and honest signs of age and use. The elaborate filigree remains remarkably well preserved.
The enamel crucifix shows fine age-related hairline cracking and a small area of enamel loss, visible in the detailed photographs. The devotional medallion retains strong color and attractive detail.
The uranium glass beads appear structurally sound and display excellent fluorescence under UV light.
As this is an authentic antique item approximately a century old, minor surface wear, patina, oxidation and other age-related characteristics should be expected and are part of its historical character.
Please examine all high-resolution photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description and show the exact item you will receive.
COLLECTOR APPEAL
An unusual combination of Bavarian Catholic pilgrimage history, Our Lady of Altötting iconography, antique silver filigree craftsmanship, period enamel work and fluorescent uranium glass.
A striking historical devotional object and an excellent addition to a collection of antique rosaries, Catholic relics and devotional objects, European silverwork, pilgrimage souvenirs or uranium / vaseline glass.
DDP Shipping to the USA:
All import duties, customs fees, and taxes have been prepaid. No additional charges will be due upon delivery.
Authentic Antique • Tested Silver • Uranium / Vaseline Glass • Bavarian Catholic Devotional Piece • Our Lady of Altötting
