This rare and beautiful silver or silver alloy cross was made by Penin of Lyon in around 1880. These are the names of the two well-known engravers living in Lyon who worked together in the 19th century. This cross is possibly the work of Ludovic Penin or perhaps his son Adolph.
The Holy Face of Jesus adorns the centre of the cross with the Sacre Coeur on the left pierced by a sword and on the right the crown of thorns. The triangle of God is at the top and the chalice at the bottom. On the reverse it is enscribed in French 'Adoration reparatrice des nations Catholiques representee a Rome' Adoration From Different Catholic Nations Represented In Rome.
It measures 8 cm high and 5 cm across and is made of silvered bronze. It is in immaculate condition with all the detail still sharp and clear on both front and back.
To give an example of how important the work of these two French engravers is, the British Museum has 44 pieces of their work in its collection.
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