Catholic Crucifix Appraisal

Vintage Bronze Crucifix

This is a vintage crucifix, likely made of bronze or a bronze-finished metal as indicated by the accompanying price tag. The overall cross structure appears to be cast metal with a darker, possibly antiqued or patinated finish, contrasting with the lighter, more polished brass or bronze color of the corpus (the figure of Christ). The corpus is affixed to the cross and depicts Jesus Christ on the cross, with discernible details for the body, loincloth, and arms, though facial features are not clearly visible. The cross itself has a somewhat rectangular shape with rounded edges. Above the corpus, there is a small rectangular plaque or banner-like element, traditional for 'INRI' inscriptions, though the letters are not visible from this angle. At the top of the cross, there is an integrated bail or suspension loop, indicating it was designed to be worn as a pendant or hung. The lower part of the vertical beam of the cross is adorned with debossed or raised decorative elements, specifically a skull and crossed bones motif, which is a traditional symbol often found at the foot of crucifixes, representing Golgotha (Calvary), the 'place of the skull' where Christ was crucified. This symbol also suggests victory over death. The craftsmanship appears to be industrial, likely mass-produced, but with reasonable detail for a devotional item of its kind. The patina suggests age, consistent with the '1960' context, indicating it could be from that era or slightly earlier. There are no obvious signs of significant damage or repairs, and the patina appears consistent with natural aging. The quality seems appropriate for a devotional item of typical standard manufacturing, not a fine art piece, but durable enough for regular use.