Rosary - .800 silver - 1900-1910 - Amethyst Glass

Antique Solid Silver Rosary (Crab Hallmark) with Faceted Glass Beads in a Beautiful Frosted Amethyst Color - Registered Design "Sacred Heart" - France, ca. 1900

Description:
A very beautiful and authentic traditional five-decade Catholic rosary in solid silver and faceted glass beads. A French devotional and collectible piece dating from the late 19th century or the first half of the 20th century (circa 1890–1930), reflecting fine, sturdy silversmithing craftsmanship.

Features and notable details:
• The Beads (Grains): Magnificent faceted beads in violet glass (amethyst hue). They have a beautiful frosted appearance, with internal crackling in the glass that superbly catches the light. The Pater Noster beads are delicately set in silver caps chased in the shape of flower corollas.
• The Heart (Central Medal): A sumptuous hollow, domed (convex) silver heart, identical on both sides (mirror-image design). It features a radiating design stamped in relief, with a stylized column bearing the large monogram "SC" for Sacred Heart and the required marking "DE" for Registered (indicating an exclusive, protected period design).
• The Crucifix: A splendid finely chased solid silver Neo-Gothic cross, adorned with elegant quatrefoil motifs at the ends and a relief figure of Christ.
• Chain: A sturdy period mechanical assembly of regular links, also in silver.

Official Hallmarks:
• The official French State hallmark "The Crab" is present on both the cross and the domed heart, guaranteeing solid silver of the official fineness (minimum 800/1000).
• The silversmith's maker's mark (vertical lozenge) is present on the cross's upper ring.

Dimensions & Weight:
• Total weight: 31.0 grams (substantial, high-quality weight)
• Total length (laid out): 47 cm

Condition:
In good overall condition for its age. The silver has a magnificent natural period patina. No losses, very sturdy chain, and the frosted glass beads are impeccably preserved, with no major external chips. (Sold as is; please see the many close-up photos, which form an integral part of the description).