Antique Cradle Cross, Croix De Berceau, French Circa 1860, Finely Carved, Excellent Condition, 11 x 6 x 1.5 Cm
This is a beautiful cradle cross made in France just after the middle of the 18th century.
It is in very good condition, so, presumably, it was never actually played with by a baby. That is not surprising as these lovely crosses were made to hang above the cradle or crib to ward off evil and protect the baby in its cradle.
Often these crosses are seen without the loop at the top but this does not mean that those examples are not complete as the ring was an optional extra. To reduce the cost some people opted to hang the cross from a ribbon. This one has the ring intact. They were often purchased as a gift at a birth or Christening and would still be a perfect present.
It is carved from a very very fine natural bone.
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