Antique Large Vermeil French Sacred Heart Ex Voto

This is a magnificent gilt over silver example, measuring 4 1/8" x 2 1/4". It originates from a French religious collection found in the Champagne region of France and dates towards the end of the 19th century.

The two heart halves join with a fine hinge at the left. The face is very finely engraved with a large "MA" (the "A" is interlinked upside down) which interlocks with a rising radiant cross. The inside fields of the initials are heavily textured with very fine and tightly placed straight lines which impart a raised, "satin" appearance. Two large festoons of palm leaves intersect at the bottom center and rise above each side. They are heavily engraved with fine and tightly placed vertical lines which impart a smooth, radiant texture. Hand tooled "tears" are placed along the inside edges of each festoon. The gilt wash was applied over the entire face; the engraving allows the silver to shine through; imparting a two toned appearance which draws attention to the initials and ferns.

The flame is deeply grooved; the silver shows along the ridge edges and the gilt in the grooves which gives a certain movement to the visual appearance. The back of the ex voto is smooth. There are two silver hallmarks: sanglier (.925 silver guarantee), and a maker's mark (diamond shaped ). There is the French patent mark "depose" on the outside right edge of the bottom half. The interior retains it's brilliant and rich gilt wash. There are some faint remains of writing on the right interior half, the number 28, and small specs from letters. There is a ring on the back of the flame for hanging.

It measures: 4 1/8" x 2 1/4" x 1 1/4" thick. It is in very good antique condition; light scratching to surface of the front and back as is typical with use and extreme age (0ver 100 years). The patina remains brilliant, the door opens and closes properly.

We rarely see vermeil sacred hearts in the market today. This is an especially beautiful, brilliant and large example.