THIS ITEM HAS SOLD*** Exquisite Antique Vermeil and Silver Sacred Heart Ex Voto with Engraved Provenance

**This item is sold.** A beautiful sacred heart with a magical patina, it has provenance to a particular day in history. The inscription engraved on the back half reads, "Les Orphelines de la Misericorde Hommage de Reconnaissance Lille 22 Avril 1872 (The Orphans of Mercy Tribute of Recognition). It originates from an old and fine sacred heart collection purchased outside of Paris.

This type of sacred heart is known as "Pendentif", and would have been worn around the neck or attached to a belt. The first metal is silver (sanglier mark) with a gold wash applied over the entire surface (which is known as vermeil). The face has a beautifully engraved central "M" with a rising cross above. The engraved initial and cross have hand tooled angular stripes which give a floating appearance. There are two large festoons of palm leaves which fill the entire surface of each side. The festoons are lavishly engraved with tiny hand tooled vertical stripes and tiny zig zags. The interior is brilliant with the radiant gilt hue. The manuscript inscription is beautifully hand engraved. There is a ring at the top for threading a chain.

It measures; 2" x 1 1/2" x 3/8" high from tabletop. The door works properly, it is in solid condition. We have not polished it, leaving the original patina. There is wear to the gilt wash along the back face as is typical with age and use.

To find an antique ex voto sacred heart with an inscribed provenance is rare. To be able to date the reliquary to a particular date and year is exceptional.