Sterling Mother Mary on wood stand

I got this a few weeks ago and now need to know what it is or was used for. The Figure has no markings but tested 100% positive for sterling silver . I wonder if it was used in a Church or something , hope someone knows .

Thank You

Billy D.

 

It think it would have been a centerpiece of a home devotional "shrine."

The close up of her halo (I know there's a better word for that) looks filthy! How did you test for silver?

 

A devotional shrine, I think you may be correct. I tested with a scratch test stone and 18k gold acid test liquid .

 

If you're planning to sell it, give the Lady a bath! From the pictures I would never have expected her to test positive. And while you're at it, clean up the wood. That must be years' worth of dust. The dings may be hidden with scratch cover.

 

Yes, I will give her a bath and clean the wood

 

looks like half a pair of book ends...

 

I thought bookends where heavier

 

not always..

 

I love her hair and the cross on the top of her halo. Yes, give her a respectful "bath"

 

Many devout Catholic homes had, and still have little devotionals like this. I've Irish neighbours where you can't move for the Sacred Heart and Mary!

 

My mother had Mary statues in every room, usually several in one room. She collected them in different styles and by different artists as well. I still have several from her collection.

 

I have a lovely little blue & white robed one stting under a plant on my night stand. Years and years and YEARS, Ilooked for one with a pretty face -- finally!

Incidentally, given the crown, I think you may have a Mary, Queen of Heaven statue...

 

I agree, they have to look nice. Either a pretty face or a loving expression. Preferably both.

 

That is a halo.

 

AJ - have to go out but will msg. you about the most beautiful one in the world!

 

Looking forward.

 

I suspect it is silver plated. This would be more likely than solid silver on grounds of cost. If silver it should be marked even if only to separate it from plated examples and most countries have some sort of marking requirement, formal or informal, for precious metal items.

Theologically I cannot see an essential difference between a golden calf and a silver statue as objects of veneration. Yet idolatry thrives. My experience of religious antiques is that altough some items such as reliquaries can be finely made of precious materials, stuff for the home market tends to be cheaply made because the folk that buy them tend to be poor and uncritical.

 

Cost of the silver at the time it was made,maybe $12-$16.

 

Who knows when it was made, you can be sure that $15 would have had more purchasing power. 10 silver dollars are now more like 100 paper dollars

 

Yup, you are right. I did a deeper scratch test and it's thick plated.