The dealer advertises this to be a French sterling vermeil church crown to be used in the service at the altar. c. 1860-1880. It has hallmarks of Minerva and a Rooster. The crown is set with real diamonds, pearls, amethysts, and rubies. The amethysts are carved into bees and set with pave diamonds.
It was purchased in Paris from a dealer of religious artifacts, and is in perfect condition. All the stones are original. The crown measures 7 1/2 inches (tall) by 6 1/4 inches (at widest point) by 4 1/2 inches (across headband). The seller has not been able to determine who made it.
AND it’s on sale on ebay for the Sotheby’s-level price of $12,499. ;-) When you find something like this, it doesn’t really matter what the price is though. If you can get your hands on it, grab it. Unfortunately, most of us must worship from afar. I did some research on the internet, and this may be Belgian silver of the Empire period, with the rooster and Minerva markings, which would date it from 1831-1868. I don’t know. Comments welcome.
Of course the famous phrase comes to mind, “Great responsibility comes to those who wear the crown.” How can you not wonder who wore this?
-
Archives
- November 2021
- March 2021
- November 2019
- October 2019
- September 2019
- March 2019
- February 2019
- May 2018
- September 2017
- April 2017
- January 2017
- November 2016
- June 2016
- March 2016
- February 2016
- December 2015
- September 2015
- July 2015
- April 2015
- March 2015
- February 2015
- November 2014
- October 2014
- May 2014
- April 2014
- March 2014
- February 2014
- January 2014
- December 2013
- October 2013
- September 2013
- August 2013
- July 2013
- June 2013
- May 2013
- April 2013
- March 2013
- February 2013
- December 2012
- November 2012
- October 2012
- September 2012
- August 2012
- July 2012
- June 2012
- May 2012
- April 2012
- March 2012
- February 2012
- January 2012
- December 2011
- November 2011
- October 2011
- September 2011
- August 2011
- July 2011
- June 2011
- May 2011
- April 2011
- March 2011
- February 2011
- January 2011
- December 2010
- November 2010
- September 2010
- July 2010
- June 2010
- May 2010
- April 2010
- March 2010
- January 2010
- December 2009
- November 2009
- October 2009
- September 2009
-
Meta