Antique French Carved Bone Rosary with Large Memento Mori Crucifix, Sacred Heart Centre, Catholic Devotional Rosary

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A striking antique Catholic rosary made with intricately carved bone beads linked by a bronze chain. The beads are graduated in size, with larger carved Pater beads adding wonderful texture and character.

The heart-shaped bronze centre depicts the Virgin Mary and bears the French inscription “Ô Marie conçue sans péché, priez pour nous” — “O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us.” The reverse is decorated with a Marian monogram and small stars.

The rosary is completed by a particularly large crucifix made from ebony and bronze. At the foot of the crucifix is a skull-and-crossbones motif, traditionally associated with Golgotha and the Christian remembrance of mortality, giving it a distinctive memento mori character.

This is a substantial rosary, measuring approximately 24 inches (61 cm) in overall length when laid flat, with a main-loop circumference of approximately 29 inches (73.7 cm).

The crucifix measures approximately 3⅞ inches high by 1⅞ inches wide and ⅜ inch deep (9.8 × 4.8 × 1 cm). The larger Pater beads measure approximately 1.3 cm (½ inch), while the Ave beads measure approximately 1 cm (⅜ inch). The rosary weighs 94.7 grams.

Because of its substantial size, weight and large crucifix, this rosary may originally have been worn suspended from the belt or cord of a religious habit by a monk, nun or priest. Rosaries of this type were sometimes carried or worn at the waist within religious communities, although its original ownership cannot now be confirmed.

It is believed to date from the late 19th or early 20th century. The bronze has developed a natural aged patina, while the carved bone beads and ebony display the gentle colour variation and wear expected from age and devotional handling.

It remains in good antique condition, with age-related patina and wear. Please study the photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description.

A substantial and unusual French devotional rosary with a strong visual presence, suitable for a collector of antique Catholic objects or for devotional use.