Antique Catholic rare skull Crucifix Crusader's sword Black Madonna of Loreto

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Antique Catholic rare skull Crucifix Crusader's sword Black Madonna of Loreto :
$89.00

Unique, sword-shaped (Fitched) ancient European Catholic crucifix handmade probably c. 16th-18th century. The artifact is shaped as a crusader's sword, and thus might have been associated with the last crusades (14th through 15th century). Such fitched, or sword-pointed crosses are believed to be carried by the Crusaders or Catholic pilgrims of medieval times, to thrust it securely into firm ground. They would then kneel before such an upright cross to pray. Therefore, I cannot exclude a possibility that the crucifixoriginated from an earlier period, such as late Middle ages. The crucifix is bent, and visibly worn out as a result of devotional wearing, likely by several generations of Catholics. Could have been worn as a pectoral crucifix by a Catholic layman, a deacon or a priest. Castfrom a metal alloy that appears to be bronze or similar type of brass-like copper alloy. Has original black patina from the past centuries.
The obverse has the Corpus of Christ crucified on a latin-shape cross with the nameplate above the Corpus, and the skull with crossbones below the Corpus.
The skull refers to Golgotha (Calvary), the elevated site where Jesus was crucified, which the Bible says means "the place of the skull" in Hebrew. An ancient tradition of Catholic and Orthodox Churches held that it was also the burial place of Adam thus symbolizing the ultimate victory of Christ over sin and death.
The reverse of the crucifix bears a Sacred image of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary with Child Jesus, dressed and crowned as the Blessed Virgin of Loreto, or Black Madonna of Loreto. The preserved Latin inscription reads: "LAVRET". The abbreviation most likely refers to Latin name Laureto, or Lavreto, and Black Madonna of Loreto.
The sacred image of Loreto is enshrined in the Holy House in the Basilica of the Holy House in Loreto, Italy (Santa Casa di Loreto). It has been a Catholic pilgrimage destination since at least 14th century. The black image of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Child Jesus is made in Lebanon cedar and richly adorned with jewels. In 1920, the Madonna of Loreto was declared to be the Holy Patroness of air travellers and pilots by Pope Benedict XV. The tradition tells that the house in which the Holy Family lived was miraculously flown from the Holy Land to Loreto by four angels, just before the Crusaders finally left the Holy Land.
Please examine all photographs carefully and do your own research if necessary. Please note that photographs are an important part of the item's description. A measuring meter, US quarter coin, and decorative stone are not for sale, and are photographed with the item in order to provide a size reference or artistic background.Please ask all questions before making a purchase.There are no guarantees with the listing because most items are original artifacts that are quite old. All items are sold "as is" with no returns because of a change of mind offered. Shipping and handling is free for the continental US. International buyers, please ask me for a shipping quote prior to buying.Please note that customs regulations differ from country to country, and it is a buyer's responsibility to ensure that any customs fees or other duties collected by the buyer's country are paid and satisfied in full.