ANTIQUE c.19th CENT. LARGE POLISH CATHOLIC CRUCIFIX MARY OUR LADY OF CZESTOCHOWA For Sale

Antique large (approx. 1 3/4" tall with solid bale loop)two-sidedCatholic Crucifix pendant featuringplain and humbleright-angled design with images of the Crucified Savior over the skull with crossbones (Adam's head) on the obverse andthe Most Blessed Virgin Mary with the Child Jesus depicted asvenerated Our Lady ofCzęstochowaicon withinscriptions in Polish language on the reverse.The Crucifix appears tohave been made from a historical bronze or brass or similarcopper-based metal alloy of unknown composition.Origin likely c. late 19th – early 20th century, inassociation with theJasna GóraMonastery inCzęstochowa, Poland, where therevered icon of the Black Madonna is enshrined.The item shows significant signs of wear due to its old age and long devotional use, such as reduced quality of artwork, visible deformations of the original shape, scratches orsuperficial cracks, dents,discolorations, and patches of patina/oxidation.Most of the original thick patina has been removed using a complex procedure of gentle manual cleaning and polishing.Some pictures taken under bright illumination could give an impression that the metal is silvery,but its real color shows yellow (brass-like) tone reflecting presence of copper in the metal alloy.The size of the Crucifix is shown on the photographs for this listing.

The obverse bearsimageof the Crucified Savior over the skull (Adam's head) and with the "INRI" nameplate in the top part. The skull with crossbones refers to Golgotha (Calvary), the elevated site where Jesus wascrucified, which the Bible says means "the place of the skull" inHebrew. An ancient tradition of Catholic and Orthodox Churches held that it wasalso the burial place of Adam, thus symbolizing the ultimate victory of Christover sin and death.

Please examine all photographs carefully and do your own research if necessary. Please note that photographs are an important part of the item's description. The decorative stone and measuring meter are not for sale, and are photographed with the item in order to provide a size reference and artistic background.Please ask all questions before making a purchase.There are no guarantees with the listing because most items are original vintage or antique objects that are quite old. All items are sold "as is" with no returns because of a change of mind offered. Shipping and handling is free for the continental US.International shipping is handled by . International buyers, please ask your shipping questions, if any, prior to buying.Please note that customs regulations differ from country to country, and it is a buyer's responsibility to ensure that any customs fees or other duties collected by the buyer's country are paid and satisfied in full.