Image 1 of 1
Image 1 of 1
Image 1 of 1
Image 1 of 1
Origin: France
Date: circa 1900–1930
Materials
Black oval beads, likely wood or early composition material; metal chain and findings; silver tone devotional medals; metal crucifix.
French devotional rosary with Miraculous Medal, circa 1900–1930
A striking antique French rosary composed of elongated black beads joined by hand worked metal links, its darkness interrupted only by the soft silver of its devotional medals and crucifix.
At the center is a small Marian medal, worn from years of handling. The rosary descends through five further beads to an unusually long, narrow crucifix ornamented with delicate foliate decoration surrounding the figure of Christ.
But the most intimate detail appears away from the center.
At some point in the rosary’s life, someone attached a Miraculous Medal to its beads.
On one side, the Virgin stands upon the globe surrounded by the French invocation:
Ô Marie conçue sans péché, priez pour nous qui avons recours à vous.
O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.
On the reverse are the familiar symbols revealed to Catherine Labouré in Paris: Mary’s M beneath the Cross, the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary, encircled by twelve stars.
The medal does not appear to be part of the rosary’s original construction. It feels instead like a later devotional addition, placed there by someone who wanted Mary carried with their prayers.
The black beads have softened with age, while the metal links, medals and crucifix retain a beautifully uneven patina. Nothing about the piece feels pristine. It feels used: held, carried, prayed.
A wonderfully atmospheric French devotional object from the early twentieth century, made more compelling by the evidence of the person who once made it their own.
Important Note
All sales are final, each piece is one-of-a-kind. Please note the shipping options at checkout.
Origin: France
Date: circa 1900–1930
Materials
Black oval beads, likely wood or early composition material; metal chain and findings; silver tone devotional medals; metal crucifix.
French devotional rosary with Miraculous Medal, circa 1900–1930
A striking antique French rosary composed of elongated black beads joined by hand worked metal links, its darkness interrupted only by the soft silver of its devotional medals and crucifix.
At the center is a small Marian medal, worn from years of handling. The rosary descends through five further beads to an unusually long, narrow crucifix ornamented with delicate foliate decoration surrounding the figure of Christ.
But the most intimate detail appears away from the center.
At some point in the rosary’s life, someone attached a Miraculous Medal to its beads.
On one side, the Virgin stands upon the globe surrounded by the French invocation:
Ô Marie conçue sans péché, priez pour nous qui avons recours à vous.
O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.
On the reverse are the familiar symbols revealed to Catherine Labouré in Paris: Mary’s M beneath the Cross, the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary, encircled by twelve stars.
The medal does not appear to be part of the rosary’s original construction. It feels instead like a later devotional addition, placed there by someone who wanted Mary carried with their prayers.
The black beads have softened with age, while the metal links, medals and crucifix retain a beautifully uneven patina. Nothing about the piece feels pristine. It feels used: held, carried, prayed.
A wonderfully atmospheric French devotional object from the early twentieth century, made more compelling by the evidence of the person who once made it their own.
Important Note
All sales are final, each piece is one-of-a-kind. Please note the shipping options at checkout.