1800s order Nuns 4" Crucifix Skull Crossbones Ebony Wood Inlay Nickel Silver Plated Brass Catholic Nun Victory Over Death Handmade w/File Marks

As shown. Dates from mid to late 1800s order, from Germany. Unmarked. It is handmade (see interesting information below). Exhibits the subtle irregularities and filing/tool marks of being handmade. Inlay is ebony wood and metal is brass with nickel/German silver plating. Measures 4" high NOT including ring x 1-7/8" wide. Weighs 30.2 grams. Has the expected and normal signs of age and loving devotion, including some plate loss here and there on the cross and some wear to the ebony wood. I see no plate loss on Christ.

MADE BY HAND
These old inlaid crucifixes were often manufactured by hand. Usually you can still see the grinding and file marks. The crucifixes with a manufacturing hallmark stamped on them are generally newer (late 1800's early 1900's). The "older" ones (early 1700's to late 1800's) seldom have a manufacturing mark (sometimes a "blacksmith mark"). They can be "inlaid" with almost anything. Usually the inlay reflects the character of the rest of the rosary. Hence, ebony bead rosaries usually (but not always) have ebony inlaid Crucifixes.