Antique Rosary - .835 silver - 1900-1940 - Silver Rosary

This rosary or paternoster was made in the Netherlands and originates from the first half of the 20th century. The silver rosary or paternoster is marked on the crucifix with a mostly illegible maker's mark at the bottom, but probably J.C.E. Reijnen, and diagonally above, under Christ's feet, the silver fineness mark, a small sword, which is the fineness mark for small silver works used between 1906 and 1953. The heart-shaped bead (Sacred Heart) bears on one side the monogram IHS, meaning Jesus, Savior of mankind, and on the other side a stylized M for the Immaculate Heart of Mary. On the lower eye of the heart-shaped bead, on one side there is a partly illegible maker's mark and on the other side the mark for attachments, i.e., the mark for works of gold or silver with attachments, the so-called chainwork used from 1905 to present. The rosary or paternoster is 44.5 cm long and weighs 21 grams. The crucifix measures 4.2 cm by 2.6 cm.

A rosary or paternoster is a prayer bead used by Roman Catholics. The rosary or paternoster has 6 large and 53 small beads and is a aid in the prayer of 5 Our Fathers and 50 Hail Marys. While praying the rosary, the life, suffering, and resurrection of Jesus are contemplated.

A crucifix is a symbol from the Christian tradition. It is a cross-shaped representation in which the body of the crucified Christ is affixed to a cross to emphasize Jesus’ path of suffering. Above the cross hangs often a plate with the letters INRI, the Latin abbreviation for Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews, the inscription Pontius Pilate (the one who had Jesus of Nazareth crucified) had placed above the cross.

Silversmith: Not clearly legible, probably J.C.E. Reijnen, from Gemert.

Country: The Netherlands

Period: 20th century

Assay: Sword mark 1906 – 1953

Material: 2nd quality silver

Dimensions: 44.5 cm long

Weight: 21 grams