Very Unusual Brass Altar Cross with Consecration Bells

Name: Very Unusual Brass Altar Cross with Consecration Bells
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1054706
Availability: SoldOut

19th century

Sold by Vicky Thomas Antiques

Description

Here is a very unusual solid brass four sided altar cross with four hanging consecration bells.

Bells were rung at Mass during consecration to draw attention to the moment when the bread and wine were converted into Christ's body, in a process known as Transubstantiation.The Priest would take the bells and alert the congregation to this divine transformation.

The top of this cross is removable, and when taken from its base becomes the hand held set of bells which the Priest may ring.

This piece is incredibly unusual as I have scoured the internet and cannot find one similar. I have cautiously dated them as 19th century on the basis of their manufacture, but as I don't have another to compare it with they may well be earlier - the surface wear and patina makes me think that they are certainly not later.

The cross is four sided, with a bell hanging from each arm, producing a very pleasant ring. There is a central removable column, which sits atop a trifold base with decoration, scrolls and three Lions Paw feet.

There are cast motifs to two of the sides, designed with vines, grapes and berries, and the third is now plain but may have once held a similar decoration.

The cross stands 37cm tall and is a very interesting item. It has the surface wear to be expected of a well used piece of this age, but as I hope the photographs show, it really does look wonderful and would be a fantastic addition to any home.

Please do not hesitate to get in touch if I can provide any further information or photographs.

I offer free delivery to mainland UK, and am very happy to hep with quotes for shipping abroad.

Physical Dimensions

Height

37cm (14.57")

Width

15cm (5.91")

Declaration

Vicky Thomas Antiques has dated this piece to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1054706

Description

Here is a very unusual solid brass four sided altar cross with four hanging consecration bells.

“

Bells were rung at Mass during consecration to draw attention to the moment when the bread and wine were converted into Christ's body, in a process known as Transubstantiation.

Vicky Thomas Antiques

The Priest would take the bells and alert the congregation to this divine transformation.

fig 1. VERY UNUSUAL BRASS ALTAR CROSS WITH CONSECRATION BELLS — fig 1. Very Unusual Brass Altar Cross with Consecration Bells

The top of this cross is removable, and when taken from its base becomes the hand held set of bells which the Priest may ring.

This piece is incredibly unusual as I have scoured the internet and cannot find one similar. I have cautiously dated them as 19th century on the basis of their manufacture, but as I don't have another to compare it with they may well be earlier - the surface wear and patina makes me think that they are certainly not later.

fig 2. VERY UNUSUAL BRASS ALTAR CROSS WITH CONSECRATION BELLS — fig 2. Very Unusual Brass Altar Cross with Consecration Bells

The cross is four sided, with a bell hanging from each arm, producing a very pleasant ring. There is a central removable column, which sits atop a trifold base with decoration, scrolls and three Lions Paw feet.

fig 3. VERY UNUSUAL BRASS ALTAR CROSS WITH CONSECRATION BELLS — fig 3. Very Unusual Brass Altar Cross with Consecration Bells

There are cast motifs to two of the sides, designed with vines, grapes and berries, and the third is now plain but may have once held a similar decoration.

The cross stands 37cm tall and is a very interesting item. It has the surface wear to be expected of a well used piece of this age, but as I hope the photographs show, it really does look wonderful and would be a fantastic addition to any home.

Please do not hesitate to get in touch if I can provide any further information or photographs.

I offer free delivery to mainland UK, and am very happy to hep with quotes for shipping abroad.