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Very Unusual Brass Altar Cross with Consecration Bells
Sold by Vicky Thomas Antiques
sold SA1054706
Sorry, but this item has been sold.

Vicky Thomas Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Feb 2022
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Id #SA1054706
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Very Unusual Brass Altar Cross with Consecration Bells

19th century
Sold 27 January 2025 · Vicky Thomas Antiques
This “Very Unusual Brass Altar Cross with Consecration Bells” found a buyer.

It was listed by Vicky Thomas Antiques. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

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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 Brass Altar Cross 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. An upright brass altar cross featuring a central column, transepts hung with small bells, and a tri-form base resting on scrolled feet.
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. An upright brass altar cross featuring a central column, transepts hung with small bells, and a tri-form base resting on scrolled feet.
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. An upright brass altar cross featuring a central column, transepts hung with small bells, and a tri-form base resting on scrolled feet.
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.

Height
37cm (14.57")
Width
15cm (5.91")
Date of Manufacture

Vicky Thomas Antiques has dated this Brass Altar Cross to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1054706
Vicky Thomas Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Feb 2022
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Vicky Thomas Antiques Profile Page

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An upright brass altar cross featuring a central column, transepts hung with small bells, and a tri-form base resting on scrolled feet. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
1 / 14
Archive I An upright brass altar cross featuring a central column, transepts hung with small bells, and a tri-form base resting on scrolled feet. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

Very Unusual Brass Altar Cross with Consecration Bells

Archive II An upright brass altar cross featuring a central column, transepts hung with small bells, and a tri-form base resting on scrolled feet. View II
Archive III An upright brass altar cross featuring a central column, transepts hung with small bells, and a tri-form base resting on scrolled feet. View III
Archive IV An upright brass altar cross featuring a central column, transepts hung with small bells, and a tri-form base resting on scrolled feet. View IV
Archive V An upright brass altar cross featuring a central column, transepts hung with small bells, and a tri-form base resting on scrolled feet. View V
Archive VI An upright brass altar cross featuring a central column, transepts hung with small bells, and a tri-form base resting on scrolled feet. View VI
Archive VII An upright brass altar cross featuring a central column, transepts hung with small bells, and a tri-form base resting on scrolled feet. View VII
Archive VIII An upright brass altar cross featuring a central column, transepts hung with small bells, and a tri-form base resting on scrolled feet. View VIII
Archive IX An upright brass altar cross featuring a central column, transepts hung with small bells, and a tri-form base resting on scrolled feet. View IX
Archive X An upright brass altar cross featuring a central column, transepts hung with small bells, and a tri-form base resting on scrolled feet. View X
Archive XI An upright brass altar cross featuring a central column, transepts hung with small bells, and a tri-form base resting on scrolled feet. View XI
Archive XII An upright brass altar cross featuring a central column, transepts hung with small bells, and a tri-form base resting on scrolled feet. View XII
Archive XIII An upright brass altar cross featuring a central column, transepts hung with small bells, and a tri-form base resting on scrolled feet. View XIII
Archive XIV An upright brass altar cross featuring a central column, transepts hung with small bells, and a tri-form base resting on scrolled feet. View XIV
Enlarged Archival View

Vicky Thomas Antiques
Telephone 07718 101220
Location
Manchester
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/vickythomasantiques
Verified Since Feb 2022
Items For Sale 35
Items Sold 131
Vicky Thomas Antiques
Verified Since Feb 2022
View Dealer Info
Location: Manchester, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/vickythomasantiques
Verified
Feb 2022
For Sale
35
Sold
131
An upright brass altar cross featuring a central column, transepts hung with small bells, and a tri-form base resting on scrolled feet.
VERY UNUSUAL BRASS ALTAR CROSS WITH CONSECRATION BELLS
Ref: SA1054706
An upright brass altar cross featuring a central column, transepts hung with small bells, and a tri-form base resting on scrolled feet.
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Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectDecorative Objects
  • Period19th century
  • StyleVictorian & Gothic
  • MaterialBrass
  • ColourGold
  • MotifsHanging bells, Tri-form base, Scrolled feet, Embossed foliate detailing
  • SizeH 37 cm (15 in) x W 15 cm (6 in)

FAQs

Altar crosses are placed upon or near the altar in Christian churches to focus liturgical worship, while attached bells were historically rung during specific moments of the mass, such as the Eucharistic prayer, to draw the congregations attention to the consecration.

These items were predominantly cast in brass or bronze using sand-casting or lost-wax methods, often featuring hand-finished chasing, engraving, and applied patination to accentuate the detailed metalwork.

Authenticity is typically determined by manufacturing hallmarks, weight, casting irregularities indicative of older production techniques, natural patination of the metal, and construction methods such as threaded bolts or hand-cut screws rather than modern fixings.

Positioning such an object on a mantelpiece, sideboard, or bookshelf introduces historical depth, metallic texture, and architectural verticality, contrasting effectively against minimalist or eclectic modern surfaces.

Brass should be kept away from excessive moisture and direct sunlight to prevent corrosion and uneven tarnishing. Cleaning should be limited to gentle dusting with a dry microfiber cloth, avoiding abrasive polishes that remove the historical patina.
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