LARGE Antique Gilded Sacred Heart Holy Water Vessel

This authentic antique (circa 1890) French sacred heart vessel has the wonderful patina which tells a history of devotion and faith. It originates from the south of France.

It is large, measuring, 6 3/8" x 3 3/4"(1 1/2" thick) with a heavy and solid (bronze/brass) form. It served as a Holy Water vessel which would have been carried by a priest to anoint the the sick or dying (homebound). The face has a large engraved (scrolling) set of interlocking initials, "AM" Ave Marie, at the center. Two festoons of engraved lily fronds grace the left and right sides, meeting in the center with a knotting bow.

The stopper is in the form of a flame, which is deeply grooved. There is a large ring at the back for threading a chain (to aid in carrying and holding).

The patina shows the exposure to moisture, frankincense smoke and age (over 100 years old). The back has some sort of protective coating which causes it to appear dull. The face has wear and darkening to the patina.
The threads of the stopper are slightly worn with time, so it sits to a slant when tightly shut.



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