Vintage 1950s antique Notre Dame de la Garde medal, rare religious pendant

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This antique medal features religious iconography of Notre Dame de la Garde, recognizable by the characteristic silhouette of the crowned Virgin holding the Child. The medal has a round shape with a molded border and an integrated attachment ring, typical of mid-20th-century religious productions. The central relief, although patinated by time, reveals the figures in slight relief, giving the whole an undeniable authenticity and vintage charm.

The visible surface offers a dark, patinated metallic appearance, with matte reflections that attest to its age and probable regular use. The sturdy upper attachment, integral with the medal's body, reinforces the impression of robustness, characteristic of religious objects designed for daily wear. The edge of the medallion is punctuated by an alternation of recessed motifs, adding a subtle decorative touch.

The scene depicted is in slight relief, with contours softened by natural wear and tear: the Virgin is shown frontally, holding the Infant Jesus on her left arm, in a traditional posture of Marseillaise statuary. No text or numbers are legible on the visible side of the medal. The dark gray patina, oxidation marks, and worn appearance of the relief indicate prolonged use and ancient manufacture, probably from the 1950s as suggested by the keywords.

This religious pendant is designed to be worn on a chain or cord thanks to its large ring. The ensemble presents a sober and authentic style, typical of popular French piety objects of the 20th century, with an aesthetic that will appeal to lovers of vintage sacred art and antique devotional items.

The photo shows only the main side of the medal. No details of the reverse or edge are visible in the provided image.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. The medal shows a pronounced patina, traces of oxidation, and visible signs of wear on the main relief and the attachment ring. The whole remains perfectly legible and solid, with an authentic charm related to its age.

Did you know? Notre Dame de la Garde, nicknamed "la Bonne Mère" (the Good Mother), has been an emblematic figure of the city of Marseille since the 19th century. Numerous medals and devotional objects bearing her effigy were produced throughout the 20th century, particularly in the 1950s, a period of strong renewal of the Marseillaise pilgrimage.

AFW Reassurance

Fast shipping and careful packaging by a professional seller specializing in antique and religious items.

Keywords: religious medal, Notre Dame de la Garde pendant, antique medal, vintage religious medal, pious medal, sacred art, 1950s medal, antique religious pendant, Virgin and Child medal, devotional pendant, Marseille medal, vintage France medal