Cross - .875 (84 Zolotniki) silver - 1899-1908
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€ 250
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Expert
Selected by Inés Fernández
Specialised in Spanish and Portuguese silver with over 10 years in galleries and auctions.
Estimate € 450 - € 530
 | €250 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €240 | |
 | €220 | |
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Orthodox priest pectoral cross in solid silver (84 zolotnik, 875/1000), dating to 1899–1908 in the Russian Empire, measuring 117 x 61 mm and weighing 72 g, of excellent overall condition with clear front and back engravings, and includes only the cross (no chain).
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Description from the seller
Stunning and rare Orthodox priest pectoral cross (Napersny Krest) made of solid silver, dating back to the Russian Empire during the reign of the last Tsar, Nicholas II.
This specific design corresponds to the official model established by law on May 14, 1896, on the occasion of the solemn coronation ceremony of the Tsar, designated for all priests of the Russian Empire.
Made of solid silver. It features the 84 zolotnik hallmark (875/1000 purity).
Hallmarks: on the back, it features the first type of "Kokoshnik" mark with the profile of a woman facing left, bearing the initials "AC" of the Assay Master (Aleksandr Skovronsky / Aleksandr Romanov), which precisely dates the manufacture of the object between 1899 and 1908.
The maker's mark of the master goldsmith "BC" in Cyrillic characters is also present on the back.
Iconography and inscriptions:
- Front: In the center, it features a high-relief figure of the Crucified Jesus Christ, surmounted by sacred abbreviations in Old Church Slavonic: ГДЬ (Lord), ЦРЬ СЛВЫ (King of Glory), and the ІНЦІ (INRI) scroll. The monogram ІС ХС (Jesus Christ) is placed on either side of the arms. At the base, below Christ's feet, the cave of Golgotha is depicted with the skull of Adam (Г А) and the title НИКА (Conquers).
- Back: entirely hand-engraved. The upper section bears the biblical verse from the First Epistle of St. Paul to Timothy (4:12): «ѠБРАЗЪ БУДИ ВѢРНЫМЪ СЛОВОМЪ, ЖИТІЕМЪ, ЛЮБОВІЮ, ДУХОМЪ, ВѢРОЮ, ЧИСТОТОЮ» (Be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity). The solemn crowned monogram of Nicholas II (Н II) stands out in the center. The date of institution is engraved at the base in Cyrillic numerals: "14 May 1896".
The object is in excellent overall condition for its age.
The reliefs on the front (particularly the face of Christ and the hands) and the engravings on the back are remarkably sharp and not worn down by use.
The original silver patina has been beautifully preserved, with a natural darkening that enhances the depth of the details. No visible repairs or alterations.
A piece of the highest historical, ecclesiastical, and phaleristic value, ideal for experts in imperial Russian silver and historical decorations.
Dimensions: 117 x 61 mm.
Weight: 72 grams.
Note: The lot includes the cross only, without the original chain.
Stunning and rare Orthodox priest pectoral cross (Napersny Krest) made of solid silver, dating back to the Russian Empire during the reign of the last Tsar, Nicholas II.
This specific design corresponds to the official model established by law on May 14, 1896, on the occasion of the solemn coronation ceremony of the Tsar, designated for all priests of the Russian Empire.
Made of solid silver. It features the 84 zolotnik hallmark (875/1000 purity).
Hallmarks: on the back, it features the first type of "Kokoshnik" mark with the profile of a woman facing left, bearing the initials "AC" of the Assay Master (Aleksandr Skovronsky / Aleksandr Romanov), which precisely dates the manufacture of the object between 1899 and 1908.
The maker's mark of the master goldsmith "BC" in Cyrillic characters is also present on the back.
Iconography and inscriptions:
- Front: In the center, it features a high-relief figure of the Crucified Jesus Christ, surmounted by sacred abbreviations in Old Church Slavonic: ГДЬ (Lord), ЦРЬ СЛВЫ (King of Glory), and the ІНЦІ (INRI) scroll. The monogram ІС ХС (Jesus Christ) is placed on either side of the arms. At the base, below Christ's feet, the cave of Golgotha is depicted with the skull of Adam (Г А) and the title НИКА (Conquers).
- Back: entirely hand-engraved. The upper section bears the biblical verse from the First Epistle of St. Paul to Timothy (4:12): «ѠБРАЗЪ БУДИ ВѢРНЫМЪ СЛОВОМЪ, ЖИТІЕМЪ, ЛЮБОВІЮ, ДУХОМЪ, ВѢРОЮ, ЧИСТОТОЮ» (Be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity). The solemn crowned monogram of Nicholas II (Н II) stands out in the center. The date of institution is engraved at the base in Cyrillic numerals: "14 May 1896".
The object is in excellent overall condition for its age.
The reliefs on the front (particularly the face of Christ and the hands) and the engravings on the back are remarkably sharp and not worn down by use.
The original silver patina has been beautifully preserved, with a natural darkening that enhances the depth of the details. No visible repairs or alterations.
A piece of the highest historical, ecclesiastical, and phaleristic value, ideal for experts in imperial Russian silver and historical decorations.
Dimensions: 117 x 61 mm.
Weight: 72 grams.
Note: The lot includes the cross only, without the original chain.
Details
Era
1900-2000
Gross weight
72 g
Silver type
.875 (84 Zolotniki) silver
Material
Silver
Country of origin
Russia
Height
117 mm
Width
61 mm
Depth
7 mm
Condition
Excellent condition: barely used with minimal signs of wear
Estimated period
1899-1908
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