SALE PRICE: 113oz STERLING SILVER CROSS CRUCIFIX Bla (09/29/2011)...

Home > Worthopedia – Price Guide > Fraternal, Political, Organizations >

SALE PRICE: 113oz STERLING SILVER CROSS CRUCIFIX Black Starr & Frost (Gorham)

Terms and Conditions for using our site

SALE PRICE: 113oz STERLING SILVER CROSS CRUCIFIX Black Starr & Frost (Gorham)

Sold For:

or Sign In to see what it's worth.

Sold Date: 09/29/2011
Channel: Online Auction
Source: eBay
Category: Fraternal, Political, Organizations

Best of Brooklyn’s LABOR DAY SALE

I have been collecting for years, from stoop sales, estate sales, and auctions. Now, realizing I have just too much stuff, I am thinning the collection out. I had listed a few nice items this past Fall, but got too busy enjoying the unusually nice weather to sit inside on the computer. Now, facing medical bills, and being uninsured, I am beginning to sell again, starting with various items from my Vintage Costume Jewelry, Silver, China/Ceramic, Depression Glass, and Paper Ephemera collections. Keep looking as I will try to list more each week till they’re gone.

One of This Week's Offerings: STERLING SILVER CRUCIFIX Black Starr & Gorham
This auction is for a fantastic ecclesiastic crucifix. It is 43" tall, and with the wood insert removed, weighs 103.77 OUNCES TROY of STERLING SILVER!I have taken this crucifix out of storage to help pay medical bills.
PLEASE NOTE—REVISED LISTING (Text Here & Below):
I was to sick to do anything yesterday, but today (ok, it's 2:00a.m. now…) I decided to clean this Crucifix properly. This included both tarnish removal, and removing the lacquer coating in the areas where it remained, mostly on and around the central medallion. In preparing to do so, I also realized that I could separate the main body into three sections, by simply removing six sterling nuts, and loosening four others. Once I did this, I also realized that the heaviest section would NOT exceed the maximum weight on my digital scale. I did so, and I now have ACCURATE SILVER WEIGHT! The total of all STERLING parts is 113.85 ounces, or 103.769 � TROY OUNCES STERLING! PLEASE see pictures below of each part on scale separately, and the 'hardware' together.
During this very long process, I learned a few things. The 'lacquer' which had protected the area where it remained, had discolored over time to a slightly pinkish grey hue. It appears to have been sprayed on when the piece was fully assembled. I found that it was only somewhat soluble in Lacquer Thinner, but more readily soluble in Acetone. As I wiped it way from the area under the medallion, as soon as the thinnest build up was removed I saw a 'shadow' of the radiant arms where the coating disappeared first. This tells me that these ares received a lighter coating, as they were blocked by the medallion. This is why I believe the coating was sprayed on. Further, In areas near and under the medallion, there were some � areas of small light tarnish spots. This suggests to me that this was NOT a factory or original coating. I suspect some enterprising altar boy, or priest/nun/private individual in charge of keeping this polished got wise and realized they could prevent a lot of work… In any event, I share this with the future owner. I also left a tiny layer of this 'varnish' up under one of the arms, so you may make your own decisions or analysis of it. Of special interest, unlike on finished pieces for home use, the interior pieces, and backsides of the medallion elements, show inscribed marks and writing by the craftsman, showing how it is to be assembled, and how he measured and cut the sterling sheet. There is a center punch on the pointed star, with lines in a star pattern etched out from the center, pointing to the cut-out points of the star. This shows the actual practice of marking out the silver to be cut. Unique! A treat, to be able to actually discern how the silversmith went about his (or her!?) work.
As you see, I have also reconsidered the value of this crucifix. This is A WORK OF ART! It is also a UNIQUE Black Starr & Gorham piece. There is no other like it in the world. It was made to order for either a wealthy and important church, or a very wealthy individual with a home church or altar. I wish I had access to the old company records to know for certain. Perhaps the buyer will make a happy discovery as to its history and importance. But no matter, as it stands, it is a FABULOUS PIECE! Not just anyone will have such a piece in their private collection! I will be posting good pictures of the cleaned ...