Ancient religious medal, Saint Mary, oval, silver-plated finish, leather pattern

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This antique religious medal features an oval shape with a perforated top for attachment, characteristic of medals designed to be worn as a pendant or suspended. The visible side showcases a raised depiction of the crowned Virgin Mary holding the Infant Jesus on her left arm, both under a two-column Gothic arch. This motif is framed, in the upper part, by a raised inscription: "S. MARIA AUXILIUM CHRISTIANORUM" (Saint Mary, Help of Christians), typical of Catholic Marian devotion.

The medal has a matte silver finish, with some visible traces of wear and slight tarnishing, testifying to its age. The details of the relief are clear, particularly the Virgin's crown, the pastoral staff, and the folds of the garment, although some areas show a slight patina. The border is smooth and regular, without additional decoration on the visible side. The letters "O.P.N." are present in the lower part, a classic Latin abbreviation meaning "Ora Pro Nobis" (Pray for us).

The photo highlights only one side of the medal, with no indication of the reverse or other non-visible elements. The object rests on a white base bordered by a decorative gold frame, which does not influence the description of the medal itself but emphasizes its character as a devotional object.

The general style of the medal, its iconography, and the typography of the inscriptions evoke a production from the late 19th or early 20th century, common in European religious art, without being able to affirm it with certainty in the absence of other clues.

This religious medal, dedicated to Mary Help of Christians, is representative of Catholic devotional objects worn daily or offered during sacraments and pilgrimages. The silvered appearance of the surface gives the piece an elegant sobriety, while highlighting the central motif and inscriptions.

Condition

Used item with visible patina, some traces of wear and surface tarnishing, without major chips or apparent deformations on the shown side. Sold as is.

Did you know? The mention "Auxilium Christianorum" (Help of Christians) refers to one of the oldest titles of the Virgin Mary, popularized in the 16th century. This title is particularly associated with the Salesian congregation founded by Don Bosco, who widely disseminated the iconography of Mary Help of Christians in devotional objects in Europe.

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Keywords: Saint Mary medal, antique religious medal, Virgin and Child, devotional medal, religious pendant, Mary Help of Christians, antique oval medal, religious ornament, catholic medal, devotional medal, silver finish, Christian medal, devotional object