Vintage Hallmarked Silver Portuguese Prayer Cross Pendant, Engraved Ave Maria, Catholic Devotional Cross

A large vintage Portuguese prayer cross made from hallmarked silver and engraved across the front with the complete Ave Maria—the Hail Mary prayer—in Portuguese.

The inscription begins “Ave Maria, cheia de graça, o Senhor é convosco” and continues across the arms and down the length of the cross, ending with “na hora da nossa morte. Amen.”

The English translation reads:

“Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.”

The cross has a simple, substantial form with a plain reverse and a generously sized suspension loop. A Portuguese silver assay mark and a separate maker’s mark are stamped near the top. The precise silver standard cannot be read clearly enough to attribute a particular purity.

It measures approximately 3⅜ inches high by 2⅜ inches wide (8.6 × 6 cm) and weighs 32.1 grams.

The hallmark and construction suggest a date of approximately the 1940s–1960s. I believe I originally found this piece in Spain, although the inscription and hallmarks confirm its Portuguese origin.

It remains in good vintage condition, with light surface marks, gentle tarnishing and wear consistent with age and previous devotional use. Please study the photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description.

A substantial and unusual Portuguese silver devotional cross, suitable for wearing on a strong chain, displaying or adding to a collection of Catholic religious objects.