Important 18-karat yellow gold episcopal cross – Eagle head hallmark – 74.10 g - Art Nouveau - Gold - 1900-1910

02
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Current bid
€ 9,500
Reserve price met
Clément Floch
Expert
Selected by Clément Floch

Has 20 years of experience trading curios, including 15 years with a leading French dealer.

Estimate  € 10,500 - € 11,600
PL
€9,500
BE
€9,000
BE
€7,500

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Description from the seller

Important 18-carat yellow gold episcopal reliquary cross – Art Nouveau period – Eagle’s head hallmark – France

Superb and imposing antique 18-carat yellow gold (750/1000) reliquary cross, dating from the Art Nouveau period, circa 1900, notable for the fine quality of its goldsmithing and the richness of its openwork decoration.

This elegant cross features a particularly refined composition, combining delicately engraved floral and botanical motifs with graceful fan-shaped ornaments accentuating its four ends.

The arms are entirely openworked and embellished with scrolls and stylized foliage, characteristic of the naturalistic aesthetic of Art Nouveau.
The contrast between polished and finely textured surfaces creates subtle plays of light that enhance the brilliance of the gold.

At the center is a circular medallion depicting Christ in profile, surrounded by a radiant halo bearing a religious inscription. This detail lends the jewel a particularly intriguing spiritual dimension.

A remarkable feature: this cross is also a reliquary. Its central medallion opens to reveal a small compartment intended to hold a relic or a treasured devotional keepsake. This special function adds further historical and religious interest beyond its value as an antique jewel.

The quality of its workmanship, generous proportions, and delicate motifs attest to the fine craftsmanship of French religious jewelry from the late 19th or early 20th century.

Features:

● Origin: France
● Period: Art Nouveau, circa 1890–1910
● Metal: 18-carat yellow gold (750/1000)
● Hallmark: eagle’s head, French hallmark certifying 18-carat gold
● Total height, including the bail: 12.29 cm
● Width: 8.18 cm
● Weight: 74.10 g
● Decoration: openwork, engraved details, floral motifs and a medallion of Christ

Condition: Good overall condition, with minor signs of wear consistent with its age. Striking presence and beautiful golden sheen.

A remarkable antique devotional cross, whose exceptional dimensions, fine ornamentation, and religious symbolism will appeal both to collectors of antique jewelry and to admirers of sacred goldsmithing.

The chain shown in some photographs is for illustrative purposes only and is not included in the sale.

The photographs form an integral part of the description and complement the presentation of the items. They allow you to assess their condition and characteristics. Please examine them carefully before making any commitment.

The item will be carefully packaged and shipped with a tracking number to ensure prompt and secure delivery.

Happy bidding

Seller's Story

The Sanctuary of Curiosities was born from a deep passion for sacred art, devotional objects, and ancient curiosities, witnesses to a rich spiritual and cultural history. Each item offered is the result of meticulous research, carefully sourced across Europe, respecting its authenticity, rarity, and condition. We are committed to selecting only meaningful objects, with special attention paid to details, materials, and provenance. Our approach is guided by respect for religious heritage and the desire to pass on these fragments of the sacred to passionate collectors, enlightened amateurs, or places of reflection. Each item is carefully examined, documented, and packaged with the utmost care to ensure a calm, professional, and respectful shopping experience.
Translated by Google Translate

Important 18-carat yellow gold episcopal reliquary cross – Art Nouveau period – Eagle’s head hallmark – France

Superb and imposing antique 18-carat yellow gold (750/1000) reliquary cross, dating from the Art Nouveau period, circa 1900, notable for the fine quality of its goldsmithing and the richness of its openwork decoration.

This elegant cross features a particularly refined composition, combining delicately engraved floral and botanical motifs with graceful fan-shaped ornaments accentuating its four ends.

The arms are entirely openworked and embellished with scrolls and stylized foliage, characteristic of the naturalistic aesthetic of Art Nouveau.
The contrast between polished and finely textured surfaces creates subtle plays of light that enhance the brilliance of the gold.

At the center is a circular medallion depicting Christ in profile, surrounded by a radiant halo bearing a religious inscription. This detail lends the jewel a particularly intriguing spiritual dimension.

A remarkable feature: this cross is also a reliquary. Its central medallion opens to reveal a small compartment intended to hold a relic or a treasured devotional keepsake. This special function adds further historical and religious interest beyond its value as an antique jewel.

The quality of its workmanship, generous proportions, and delicate motifs attest to the fine craftsmanship of French religious jewelry from the late 19th or early 20th century.

Features:

● Origin: France
● Period: Art Nouveau, circa 1890–1910
● Metal: 18-carat yellow gold (750/1000)
● Hallmark: eagle’s head, French hallmark certifying 18-carat gold
● Total height, including the bail: 12.29 cm
● Width: 8.18 cm
● Weight: 74.10 g
● Decoration: openwork, engraved details, floral motifs and a medallion of Christ

Condition: Good overall condition, with minor signs of wear consistent with its age. Striking presence and beautiful golden sheen.

A remarkable antique devotional cross, whose exceptional dimensions, fine ornamentation, and religious symbolism will appeal both to collectors of antique jewelry and to admirers of sacred goldsmithing.

The chain shown in some photographs is for illustrative purposes only and is not included in the sale.

The photographs form an integral part of the description and complement the presentation of the items. They allow you to assess their condition and characteristics. Please examine them carefully before making any commitment.

The item will be carefully packaged and shipped with a tracking number to ensure prompt and secure delivery.

Happy bidding

Seller's Story

The Sanctuary of Curiosities was born from a deep passion for sacred art, devotional objects, and ancient curiosities, witnesses to a rich spiritual and cultural history. Each item offered is the result of meticulous research, carefully sourced across Europe, respecting its authenticity, rarity, and condition. We are committed to selecting only meaningful objects, with special attention paid to details, materials, and provenance. Our approach is guided by respect for religious heritage and the desire to pass on these fragments of the sacred to passionate collectors, enlightened amateurs, or places of reflection. Each item is carefully examined, documented, and packaged with the utmost care to ensure a calm, professional, and respectful shopping experience.
Translated by Google Translate

Details

Era
1900-2000
Object name
Important 18-karat yellow gold episcopal cross – Eagle head hallmark – 74.10 g
Weight
74.1 g
Material
Gold
Country of origin
France
Height
12.29 cm
Width
8 cm
Depth
8.18 cm
Condition
Excellent condition: barely used with minimal signs of wear
Style
Art Nouveau
Estimated period
1900-1910
BelgiumVerified
1916
Objects sold
100%
protop

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