15 Decade Habit Rosary, 150 Fine bone Hail Mary Beads, 14 Steel Beads, Extremely Rare Monk's Rosary 137 Centimetres

15 Decade Habit Rosary, 150 Fine bone Hail Mary Beads, 14 Steel Beads, Extremely Rare Monk's Rosary 137 Centimetres

This is a very, very old rosary that I think was made in the early 19th century for a monk in the south west of France.

Any 15 decade habit rosary is very rare but this one is exceptional as it is beautifully made with very fine bone beads that each measure 10mm in diameter. The 'Our Father' beads are 15mm in diameter and made from old steel.

Over the many decades I think it has changed as I do not think the cross is original to the rosary even though it dates back to around 1870. It was made as a souvenir of Lourdes from cast bronze and measures 8 x 6 centimetres. It may well be that it was extensively worn by one of the monk's from the abbey at Lourdes and after much wear it needed repair. It would have been far too precious to discard.

The reason for my thoughts are that the cross is attached directly to the last decade and, I think, there should have been another three beads before the cross. I, of course, may be wrong.

In any event this is a stunning and rare habit rosary. It weighs 200 grams