Silver-gilt cross set with diamond chips and blue glass, Germany, 1600-1870.

Silver-gilt cross with flared ends. At the end of each arm, and in the centre, a high conical mount set with a diamond chip is riveted to the back plate. Between the centre and the ends, each arm is faced with a facetted blue paste, cut to fit the shape of the arm. There is a small leaf in each of the four angles between the arms. At the top there is a small sideways loop. There is a separate, matching, conical mount, set with a diamond chip and with a bar on the back, attached to the loop by a piece of wire.

This was described as 17th century when it was acquired in 1872. It is an unusual pattern for a traditional cross from southern Germany, and may well be that early. But the rural population had conservative tastes, and crosses, in particular, often preserved archaic characteristics well into the 19th century. It could equally well date from the 19th century.

43-1872