Silver & Bronze Monstrance & Case, IHS, Wheat, Grapes

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Silver & Bronze Monstrance & Case, IHS, Wheat, Grapes

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Sold Date: 04/23/2008
Channel: Online Auction
Source: eBay
Category: Fraternal, Political, Organizations

You are bidding on a wonderful silverplate and bronze monstrance, most likely from the mid-19th century. This monstrance is the sunburst type, with straight and undulating rays alternating around the central glass viewing window. Immediately adjacent to the viewing window is another layer of ornate metalwork, with a floral and acanthus leaf design at the periphery, a circle of clear faceted glass stones in the center, and a scalloped band of bronze outlining the glass window.

At the top of the monstrance is a cross with ornate ends and a large faceted purple amethyst-colored stone at the center. Each of the four posts of the cross contains the image of a reed with leaves. The large round node is decorated all around with acanthus leaves and a multi-petaled floral design. Additional acanthus leaves hang down the widening upper portion of the base. The circular base is also nicely chased and repousse'd. On the front of the base is a large IHS, designating Jesus. On the back is a cross with four equal arms and ornate lobed ends. Shafts of wheat, grape clusters, grape leaves and vines encircle the rest of the base.

The viewing chamber opens on the back of the monstrance by way of a hinged door. The door fastens closed securely, but the top part of the hinge is broken and needs repair. The glass on the door is intact. Unfortunately I do not have the luna for this monstrance. On the floor of the exposition chamber t is a track to accomodate a luna.

This monstrance comes with its original custom-made wooden case. The interior of the case is lined with light pink padded felt or flannel-like fabric. The front has two doors which meet in the middle of the case and fasten by way of hook and eye closures. The two upper hooks are present, but the third lower hook is missing. The front and sides of the case are covered in textured black paper simulating leather.

This monstrance has an interesting modern-day provenance. It was purchased in London, England in 1995 by a New Orleans antiques dealer. The dealer displayed it in the window of his French Quarter shop, from w it was stolen in a smash-and-grab robbery. Several months later it was recovered by the police and returned to the antiques store, w I later purchased it.

This lovely monstrance measures 25" tall and 11" wide across the center of the rays. The base is 7" in diameter. The case is 26.5" tall by 13" at its widest point by 8" deep at the base.

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