Antique INRI Solid Brass French 3 Arm Crucifix Cross
I believe this to be an Antique Gothic-style crucifix from France dating back to 1800's. This gorgeous solid brass cross is features pierced trefoil designs at each point and at top, above the head of Christ reads “INRI” an acronym for the phrase “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews” in Latin. Below the cross is a hexagonal decoration with a cross design on each panel. Features a stem with alternating Greek key and dot designs that leads the rest of the way down to the tripod base. Each of the three panels on the base features a quatrefoil and a large angel with four winds in relief. Feet are decorated with thistle flowers and spiky leaves. Measures 31” high x 12” wide and weighs 5 pounds 12 ounces.
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Good morning, Lisa,
Thank you for using Mearto for your appraisal inquiry. You don't indicate why you think this might be French; the Gothic Revival style was popular throughout Europe in the 19th Century so I think it's a bit safer to call this Continental unless there is a specific reason (such as marked 'Made in France') to think it's French. Typically speaking, religious artifacts are a bit of a difficult auction market so I have priced this conservatively so as to generate interest should you elect to sell this at auction.
Based on the photographs and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:
A French Gothic Revival brass altar crucifix
Mid 19th Century (circa 1850s)
The top and arms of the cross with pierced trefoils, an oval medallion marked INRI above the figure of Christ, the pedestal in sections with a hexagonal shaped element with cruciform decoration, the standard with Greek key and guilloche decoration over a tall ornately molded tripod base of triangular section.
31 inches high, 12 inches wide
CONDITION: Not examined in person but appears to be in good condition with wear commensurate to age and use.
PROVENANCE: acquired at Horchow's in 2002 for approximately $1,400.
$400-600*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.
Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, and thank you for using Mearto.
Hi Lisa,
We can only go on what information we are given so this additional information is helpful; Horchow's price is a retail / dealer price paid in a much stronger market; auction values are typically 1/2 to 1/4 of retail pricing. I'll change the date and regional attribution but the fair-market (auction) value is in line with what similarly sized brass altar crucifixes are bringing at the moment.
Basically this was described just as I wrote... No information on your end. Extremely disappointed!
I apologize for not including the receipt for $1,442.10 I have from Horchow dated 2002. Horchow also provided a paperwork that mentions it was made in France and dated back to 1850's. I am disappointed I paid Mearto to appraise accurately with the many detailed pictures I included to only received so little with so much uncertainty. I must admit... Very worried about the others I submitted.