Vintage Our Lady of Perpetual Help Religious Medal

This is a vintage oval religious devotional medal depicting Our Lady of Perpetual Help. The medal is crafted from a silver-toned metal, likely pewter or a base metal alloy with a silver finish, common for mid-20th-century Catholic pendants. The obverse features a high-relief die-struck image of the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child, inspired by the Byzantine icon. Surrounding the figures is the arched inscription 'OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP' along the top edge and the word 'ITALY' on the left side, indicating its country of manufacture. At the base of the image are the initials 'NB', which likely represent the maker's mark or the artist who designed the die. The medal includes a small integrated bail loop at the top for suspension. Regarding condition, the piece shows significant signs of age and wear; there is a noticeable dark patina and surface oxidation, particularly in the recessed areas of the casting. Surface scratches and minor abrasions are visible across the high points of the relief, indicating frequent handling or use. The craftsmanship is typical of mass-produced devotional items from the mid-1900s, characterized by clear iconography but standard industrial finishing. Its style and markings suggest it was produced in Italy for the international Catholic souvenir and devotional market.