Antique religious medal lot x4 vintage, Catholic pendant France

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Detailed visual description

This lot consists of four antique religious medals, shown in the photo, each featuring distinct Catholic iconography and a pendant format with an integrated bail. Two of the medals are round, one bearing a relief portrait of a pope with the partially legible inscription "PIVS XII PONT MAX," the other depicting a haloed saint—probably the Sacred Heart—with finely carved details. The other two models stand out due to their shape: one is oval, adorned with the standing Virgin Mary, surrounded by the inscription "O MARIE CONÇUE SANS PÉCHÉ PRIEZ POUR NOUS" (O MARY CONCEIVED WITHOUT SIN PRAY FOR US) and the date "1830" at the bottom; the last medal, also round, shows the bust of a veiled nun, surrounded by the inscription "S MARIE EPHRAIM PRIEZ POUR NOUS" (ST. MARIE EPHRAIM PRAY FOR US).

The medals have a metallic finish, with shades ranging from tarnished gold to a duller brass tone. The reliefs show signs of wear from use, particularly on the raised parts and around the bails, indicating their age and regular handling. No reverse side is visible in the photo; only the obverse of each piece is described here.

The details of the inscriptions and portraits show typical striking work for 20th-century French religious medals. The graphics, halos, and typography are characteristic of votive medals and souvenirs from churches or pilgrimages. The set is presented on a white textile background, highlighting the aged metal hue of each piece.

The bails are all integrated into the body of the medals, allowing for immediate use as a pendant or religious keyring without further modification. The overall appearance evokes popular devotional objects, sought after for their symbolism and history of French manufacturing. One of the medals, oval in shape, is particularly emblematic of the "Miraculous Medals" circulated from the 19th century onwards.

The portraits and religious figures are rendered in bas-relief, with attention to drapery, halos, and facial expressions, giving each medal a unique identity. The inscriptions are in French, highlighting their French origin and their use in the Catholic tradition of France.

Condition

These antique religious medals are used and show visible signs of wear, including marks, rubbing, and patina on the reliefs. They are sold as is.

Did you know? The oval "Miraculous Medal," dated 1830, originated in Paris following the apparitions of the Virgin to Catherine Labouré. Circulated from 1832, it quickly became one of the most popular devotional objects in the world, a symbol of protection and grace for the faithful.

AFW Reassurance

Professional packaging and fast shipping. Seller specializing in antique and religious objects, reliable and careful service.

Keywords: religious medal, Catholic pendant, antique medal, miraculous medal, Virgin Mary medal, pope medal, saint medal, devotional object, vintage medal, religious medal, France, brass medal, antique religious jewelry