Tyskland. Marriage – Manus Manum Lavat and Sirach 26, 19th-century silver Medal after 17th–18th century German Baroque marriage-medal types - Scare

German Marriage – Manus Manum Lavat and Sirach 26, probably 19th-century silver reproduction after 17th–18th century German Baroque marriage-medal types

Obverse: Bride and groom standing at an altar and joining hands, with putti and the Holy Spirit dove above. The altar bears a partially legible inscription or abbreviation. In the exergue: “MANUS MANUM LAVAT”. Outer legend: “WAS GOT ZUSAMMEN FÜGET DAS SOL DER MENSCH NICHT SCHEIDEN”.

Reverse: Two hands emerging from clouds hold a heart beneath the radiant Hebrew name of God. Laurel branches at the sides and two doves below. Legend: “EIN VERNÜNFTIG WEIB ERFRISCHET DES MANNES HERTZ. SIR. 26”.

Historical Context: This silver piece follows German Baroque marriage-medal iconography. The Latin motto “MANUS MANUM LAVAT” means “one hand washes the other” and refers to mutual support within marriage. The German legend on the obverse translates as “What God has joined together, let no man separate.” The reverse quotes Sirach 26, praising the virtuous wife as a blessing to her husband. The design combines motifs known from 17th–18th century German marriage medals, but this exact die combination has not been confirmed as a published original type. The soft execution, surface structure and lower weight suggest a later silver reproduction, probably from the 19th century.

Material: Silver
Weight: 23 g
Diameter: 41 mm
Date: Probably 19th century
Attribution: Unsigned; after 17th–18th century German marriage-medal types