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 Replies: 15 / Views: 968 |
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New Member
Romania
31 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
4553 Posts |
Well, I can tell you straight off that it's a Christian religious medal.
The boat scene is the from the Flood. After God destroyed the world with the Flood, Noah sailed for about a year. He began sending out birds to see if any land could be found. One day, a dove finally returned with an olive branch, indicating that God's fury had subsided, and the flood waters were lowering. That's why doves and olive branches symbolize peace in western cultures.
I can't say for certain who is on the reverse. I would assume it represents the Holy Family of St. Joseph, the Virgin Mary, and baby Jesus. It's also possible that it is depicting some other saintly trio, but I think the Holy Family is a safe bet.
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New Member
 Romania
31 Posts |
Thanks, I suspected that's what it is about... but an estimate of the price would help! As for the material... I don't know, it could be silver, it could be bronze.
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Moderator
 United States
32975 Posts |
With that walking staff, I wouldn't be surprised it that wasn't St. Christopher holding the baby Jesus on his shoulder. Looks like bronze due to that green spot, but could be pot metal with a little copper mixed maybe instead. What is the specific gravity?
"If you climb a good tree, you get a push."
-----Ghanaian proverb
"The danger we all now face is distinguishing between what is authentic and what is performed."
-----King Adz
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
18328 Posts |
I get the feeling that it's not from 1745. An XRF analysis would help to identify the alloy and perhaps date it.
Inordinately fascinated by bits of metal with strange markings and figures
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Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21638 Posts |
Appears to be gold plated brass.
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New Member
Romania
31 Posts |
Hello again and thank you for taking the time to post. Unfortunately I don't have the possibility to do an XRF test on it...
So I understand that it is something cast (not struck), from a non-precious metal... or not necessarily!?
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Moderator
United States
70127 Posts |
 to CCF. Can you get us an image of the edge?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
859 Posts |
Not to be contrarian, but it wouldn't be too much of a stretch to keep the devotional messages of this medallet all within the New Testament by drawing on Chapter 14 in Matthew, where we learn about the boat with Jesus' disciples being storm-tossed on the waves of the Sea of Galilee. That could explain why we don't see any animals in this depiction of the vessel and why we DO see a fierce-looking chop to the water and a storm cloud blowing into the picture from the upper left. I'd rule out St. Joseph as a participant here, as Mary is seen as a heavenly vision and not as part of a family unit. Also, across centuries of Catholic hagiography Christopher is *always* depicted carrying the toddler Jesus on his shoulders or in his arms while crossing a body of water holding a staff. We never hear of St. Joseph doing anything like that in the New Testament...carpentry was his thing. That Dutchman Rembrandt painted a pretty good visual of this story entitled "Storm on the Sea of Galilee." Unfortunately it was stolen from the Gardner museum in Boston decades ago and hasn't been seen since. There's some fascinating background here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_S...of_Galilee.)
I never pay too much for my tokens...but every now and then I may buy one a little too soon.
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Valued Member
Russia
145 Posts |
It seems to me that here are collected images-symbols of protectors of travelers and sailors. On one side is the Old Testament story with Noah's Ark and Dove, on the other the Virgin Mary and St. Christopher.
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Moderator
United States
54168 Posts |
You might try a jewelry forum for better results. Just saying.
Show your financial support of the Coin Community Family (click here)See my topic on Mexican Numismatic Medals (click here) |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4553 Posts |
I was not familiar with St. Christopher. I agree that his iconography does seem to fit better with the nautical theme.
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New Member
Romania
31 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4553 Posts |
Since you are in Romania: is there a St. Christopher's church near you? Are there any significant events from your area in 1745? Where did your friend get the medal?
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New Member
Romania
31 Posts |
No, unfortunately there is no such church near me , and this was found among other old objects bought at a garage sale or something ...
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Moderator
United States
162571 Posts |
Very interesting.  |
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Replies: 15 / Views: 968 |
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Posted 03/16/2025 4:54 pm
