Oval Religious Miraculous Medal Pendant
Jewelry (Religious Medal/Pendant) · Unidentified mass manufacturer; typical of devotional religious articles often produced by specialty companies like Bliss, Creed, or McVan.
Pattern: Traditional Miraculous Medal (Reverse Side); standard Catholic devotional design used globally.
Type
Jewelry (Religious Medal/Pendant)
Maker
Unidentified mass manufacturer; typical of devotional religious articles often produced by specialty companies like Bliss, Creed, or McVan.
Material
Likely Silver-tone Base Metal or Pewter; lacks visible 'Sterling' or '.925' marks. Could be 'German Silver' (copper-nickel-zinc alloy) or silver-plated copper.
Dimensions
Estimated 20mm x 12mm; weight approximately 1-3 grams. Standard size for a small neck pendant.
Description
An oval-shaped religious pendant featuring the traditional reverse-side inscription of a Miraculous Medal. The surface shows heavy patination and wear, characteristic of a piece that has been carried as a pocket token or worn daily. The block text 'PRAY FOR US' is clearly legible against a pebbled background.
Key Features
Block typeface, oval shape, integral bail, and a highly textured 'sand-cast' look on the field of the medal.
Material & Composition
Likely Silver-tone Base Metal or Pewter; lacks visible 'Sterling' or '.925' marks. Could be 'German Silver' (copper-nickel-zinc alloy) or silver-plated copper.
Finish & Decoration
Oxidized, sand-cast texture with raised block lettering. Features the devotional inscription 'PRAY FOR US' centrally. Traditional raised border.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No visible purity marks or maker's marks. The absence of 'Sterling' suggest it is not high-purity silver.
Construction Details
Die-struck or cast from a mold. Integral suspension loop at the top with a standard split-ring jump ring attached.
Functional Features
Single suspension point for use on a chain or rosary. Convex reverse side intended for contact with skin or clothing.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A - Pendant form.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial mass-production quality. The lettering is functional but lacks the fine chasing found on high-end silversmith-made medals.
Authentication Indicators
Lack of 'Sterling' stamp is the primary indicator of base-metal composition. General wear patterns suggest a non-precious alloy common in affordable religious sundries.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely USA or Italy; these are the primary hubs for mass-produced Catholic devotional medals.
Era & Period
Modern / 20th Century Devotional. Based on the block font and casting quality, likely mid-to-late 20th century.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1980. The wear patterns and font style are consistent with late mid-century mass production.
Cultural Significance
Representational of personal Catholic piety and the tradition of wearing 'sacramental' objects for spiritual protection.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Significant surface wear and heavy tarnish/oxidation. The jump ring is slightly distorted. The edges show signs of friction wear.
Value Estimate
$1 - $5 USD. Primarily of sentimental or devotional value rather than intrinsic metal value.
Care & Maintenance
Mild soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid harsh silver dips as this piece likely has no high silver content to react with.
Similar Pieces
Sterling silver versions by Creed (marked Sterling) or 14k gold versions; these have much sharper detail and hallmark stamps.
Interesting Facts
The Miraculous Medal design originated from Saint Catherine Labour 's visions in 1830. Millions are produced annually for Catholic faithful worldwide.