Featured Antique Silver Cross?

Ah, Eastern Europe was my second consideration, because the general look reminded me of some Russian crosses. I think we need @Xristina for this one.

It is always good to mention your location or the location the item was found when you post it. It helps in narrowing the search down.
In this case I would have gone to the Eastern Europe option straight away, and other members wouldn't have to search for info on trade crosses.

Just for comparison, here is my Russian cross which reminds me of the style of yours:

 

Heh, not that trade silver couldn't have made its way to Romania, but seems very unlikely, and without any maker's stamp, even less likely - probably a rather charming amatuer piece, and your grandmother's dating is certainly possible...

~Cheryl

 

Welcome. My guess is that it's late 1800's and probably coin silver. The decoration may be slightly rough but a lot of effort went into it. It definitely reminds me of the Victorian coin "Love Tokens". Definitely polish it and put a chain on it.

 

I sold some to customers in Russia,France and Germany years ago.

 

I suspect that might have been on a rosary once.

 

Gus, coin silver is an American term for .900 fineness. The term is not used in Europe, although some people would use it for Maria Theresia Taler silver (.833).

Dobrogea or Dobruja is one of those parts of Europe that was part of several countries during its rich history. My guess is that this cross was made just after northern Dobruja went from Russian to Romanian in the late 19th century. Theodorof Flavius will know more about that period than I do.

If they already used Romanian silver finenesses at the time it was made, it could be anything between .800 and .950. If they still used Russian finenesses, which happened in some regions even after they were no longer Russian, I would guess something like 84 zolotniki, .875 silver.

If deemed important, it could always be tested.

 

Are you still there?
Or did your family move from there and at what time period? And to where did they move?

 

It is always good to mention your location or the location the item was found when you post it.

That is so my new pet peeve !!!

Had the cross been found in upper NY State........ our trade cross suggestions would have at least had some valid notion....

 

It looks like it has the intertwined initials C and D in the center. Not a Rosary cross. Could have been given as a Confirmation gift or on a Name Day celebration. I have friends in Europe that celebrate Name Day (the day the child was Baptised) as well as birthdays or it could have been a gift to a wife on a wedding day.

 

Hi, sorry, might be a bit annoying to you. But how can I polish it?

 

No, we are still here.

 

Sorry, I forgot.

 

Any ideeas about the value once polished?

 

For polish I use a gentle foaming polish, you apply it with a damp sponge and wash with water so dried polish doesn't get stuck in the design. Do not use Tarnex or other dips, they are much too harsh!!!!!

 

In a case like this, I would use my fingers. Hold it and rub with a thumb. Your fingers will turn black and need washing, but it takes the tarnish off. No fancy chemicals needed.

I sent a sheet silver dragonfly (Lorraine) cross to Singapore once. Things move around.

 

Thank you guys for all the replies. I cleaned it and put it for sale on ebay. (At a veeery high value but it's better to gradually lower the price than to get less than it's worth.) Here is the cross after I polished it.

 

Sure cleans up nice!

 

Well Done!