CENSER / THURIBLE antq brass & copper-color CATHOLIC

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ANTIQUE FOUR-CHAIN CENSER / THURIBLE Height from bottom of base to finial on the lid is approximately 11". The diameter of the opening in the base is approximately 3". Total length, including hang disc and chains, is approximately 43". The major parts of the lid and bowl APPEAR to be made of copper. The flat base appears to be brass. The cherubs (3) and the finial on the lid appear to be cast bronze. When acquired, this censer had no chains or hang disc. The censer itself was tarnished a remarkable iridescent brown. As to the age, the seller (a priest) advised me that it "had been around since the Flood." I have spent considerable time polishing it, and a professional buffing might be recommended. I have attached the chains and hang disc from another censer, and have replaced the hardware that attaches the cherubs and the jump rings that attach the chains. The three chain-connector rings soldered to the bowl show some wear, but are still serviceable. I would hestitate to replace them since the soldering work could easily scorch the bowl. The replacement chains I have used are premium heavy-weight brass, composed of soldered oval links, cut from square wire and not prone to tangling. The hang disc is cast brass. THE CHARCOAL PAN IS MISSING AND I DO NOT HAVE A REPLACEMENT. I would recommend the old standby substitute of a jar lid wrapped in aluminum foil. This will prevent the hot charcoal from discoloring the bowl, which I found happens quickly with this metal. This censer has seen quite a bit of use in its day, evidenced by some minor dents to the bowl, presumably the result of impromptu run-ins with a marble altar. None of these is severe, and in my opinion (I am a former jeweler) hammering them smooth is NOT recommended as it would do damage to the repousse leaf design around the top of the bowl, and could cause potential stress cracks. T are the remains of a spot of what may be burned-on resin on the upper part of the bowl; this has been very stubborn to polish out. Overall, this censer is in fair to good used condition. Censers of this identical design, but entirely of brass, have appeared occasionally at auction, with prices ranging from $300 and up. We are offering this one at a low opening bid, with no reserve, reflecting the amount of restoration work we have felt necessary. It is a rare find, offered in AS-IS condition. Our entire inventory of books is offered in pre-owned, used condition. Many volumes were acquired in lots from the libraries of closed religious schools and from several disbanded monastic houses, as well as from private estates. Our stock presently consists of out-of-print and rare volumes, difficult or impossible to obtain in any condition. Our collection of sanctuary appointments and liturgical vessels, likewise, is antique. Our goods are sold in AS IS condition, with any faults noted in detail and described to the best of our professional ability. THE BUYER IS AGAIN REMINDED THAT THESE ARE ALL USED ARTICLES , and that ALL SALES ARE CONSIDERED FINAL. In the unlikely event, however, of the discovery of a serious fault which we have failed to mention in our listing, we will gladly offer the buyer a full refund if we are notified within three days of receipt. Please ask questions before bidding. We are always happy to provide additional scans of any item at your request. Our goal is to return these articles to active use by those who still revere the ancient Catholic faith that inspired their production, and to provide optimum customer satisfaction in the process. We accept Paypal, money orders and checks payable in $ US. Checks may require up to ten business days to clear. Domestic shipping is by USPS First Class Mail. Shipping and handling fee for this item will be $12.00 to a US address. Insurance is optional. Payment is expected within ten days of close of auction. We will combine shipping/handling costs for multiple items won within a period of 7 consecutiv... read more

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