Commemorative Antique French Religious Sacred Heart

Hand engraved with the words "18 Nbre (November) 1904 et 28 Mars 1905" this French ex voto commemorates two specific dates in history. (The sacred heart ex voto was used to hold thanksgivings, dedications and prayers.) This inscription, though a mystery now to us, was dedicated with prayer and thanksgiving to the Madonna, Christ or a particular Saint.

It is of gilded brass with a sharp top indentation "fold". The hand tooled monogram for Mary "AM" holds a cross which rises from the center. There are two large palm fronds (the leaves are hand tooled with many horizontal strikes). The flame is curved outward at the center and has many deep grooves which give a life-like flame effect. The reverse side bears the inscription in hand engraved script. There is a ring mounted to the flame and a larger ring mounted through this. The heart opens to a heavily gilded center.

It measures: 4" x 2 1/4" x 1/2" thick. It is in very good antique condition, with the inscription well preserved (these are often partially worn) There is light tarnish ( we did not polish this) and a tiny, shallow indentation near the "18" (barely noticeable).

It is very special to find a sacred heart with an engraved provenance. It is a beautiful part of religious history representing faith and thanksgiving.