VINTAGE STERLING SILVER 925 ORTHODOX SWORD-SHAPED CRUCIFIX "SAVE AND PROTECT ME" for Sale

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VINTAGE STERLING SILVER 925 ORTHODOX SWORD-SHAPED CRUCIFIX "SAVE AND PROTECT ME" For Sale

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VINTAGE STERLING SILVER 925 ORTHODOX SWORD-SHAPED CRUCIFIX "SAVE AND PROTECT ME":
$59.00

Vintage fine sterling silver (approx. 1 3/8" tall with solid bale; weightapprox. 2.3 g) Orthodox Crucifix pendant featuringthe ancient sword-shaped designwith a relief iconic image of theCrucified Savior and words of theOrthodox "Protection" prayer on the reverse.Thecrossbars on both sides are framed with a floral ornament symbolizing a vine, a reference tothe life-giving nature of the Savior's Cross and the preaching of Christ: "I am the vine; you are the branches" (John 15:5).The back panel of the large necklace bale bears two punch marks, one of which shows the "925"hallmark indicating that it is made in solid sterling silver, and the other appears to be the maker's mark.The pendant has vintage or antique appearance withsigns of aging and wear including diminished quality of the artwork, scratches, dents and small deformations, and patches of discoloration/patina. The size and weight of the item are shown on the photographs for this listing.

The sword-shapeddesign of the Crucifix is similar to Eastern Orthodox crosses that appear as early as 15-16th century. In Western Europe, such a shape of crucifixes and crosses became popular in the medieval period because of the Crusades. In a more general context of the Gospels, a sword-shaped cross may refer to the preaching of Christ: "I came not to bring peace, but a sword" (Matthew 10:34), and "...if you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one." (Luke 22:36).

The obverse bears an image of the Crucifixion recreated according to the ancient Orthodox iconographic tradition. The Savior is depicted with the large halo around His head andthe Sacred Name of Jesus inscribed as the "IC XC" Greek Christogramjust above. In addition, the top line of the title shows a two-letterChurch Slavonicmonogram "ЦС"meaning "King of Glory", a traditional part of the Orthodox title of Jesus inscribed on the Savior's Cross.The bottom end has the Greek "NIKA" ("VICTORIOUS") inscription made in a Cyrillic transliteration as "HИKA", an ancient symbol of Christ's victory over sin and death achieved on the Cross.

The reverse displays a larger inscription of the traditional Orthodox prayer in abbreviated Church Slavonic meaning "LORD, SAVE AND PROTECT ME" incorporated in the crossbars.The prayer reminds that Christ is with us to save and protect a person wearing the cross from every evil and all enemies visible and invisible.

Please examine all photographs carefully and do your own research if necessary. Please note that photographs are an important part of the item's description. The measuring meter and electronic scale are not for sale, and might be photographed with the item in order to provide a size and weight reference.Please ask all questions before making a purchase.There are no guarantees with the listing because most items are original vintage or antique objects that are quite old. All items are sold "as is" with no returns because of a change of mind offered. Shipping and handling is free for the continental US.International shipping is handled by . International buyers, please ask your shipping questions, if any, prior to buying.Please note that customs regulations differ from country to country, and it is a buyer's responsibility to ensure that any customs fees or other duties collected by the buyer's country are paid and satisfied in full.