St. Anna Ora Pro Nobis Religious Wall Hanging Thing

I know what St. Anna is about but what is this thing for with the little plastic cup. Holy Water? It hangs on the wall, the back is marked Made In France. Measurements: 5 1/4" tall, 2 3/4" wide. How old do you think it is? The metal frame looks Art Deco style to me. Found this in the barn. Completely black, couldn't even tell there was a picture. It probably isn't worth much but I'm curious what it was used for. Thank you.

 

I think it holds a little holy water, and you dab a little on yourself before going out from where it hangs by the door.

Probably no more or less effective than knocking on wood, you can't discount the mental placebo effect.

I doubt if it would have had a plastic cup before the middle of the last century.
There is a name for these which I can't remember off hand.

 

Holy Water Font
https://www.google.com/search?q=hol...bEigLH84HIAg&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAg&biw=1138&bih=507

 

Thank you AF and Tauriel. Duh, I should have Googled Holy Water holder after I googled St.Anna. I'm surprised that some of these sell as high as they do.

 

Af, dear...one doesn't "dab a little on oneself." One makes the Sign of the Cross with damp fingers.

Indulgences forthcoming thereby.

 

It could be repurposed with an ounce or two of perfume, then you really could dab a bit on, in passing. Have the perfume blessed and you have two bases covered.

 

Heretic!

 

There was a time that this type item would have been found in many Catholic homes & other buildings that had something to do with the Catholic religion, as well as every classroom in a parochial school. There would be a tiny sponge in the bottom so you would get just a few drops on your fingertips.

 

And that sponges was NASTY!

 

Af - while I don't think he could approve of such multi-tasking, I do think it would give Pope Francis a good chuckle.

 

Yes, there were many fonts at my Catholic high school. It's taken very seriously!