Ancient-Jewellery

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Rare Medieval Silver Monstrance Dissolution Debris

£850.00 Approx $1071.88, €991.83

Code: 10589



This is a very rare silver object, originally part of an ecclesiastic silver monstrance. It appears to have been purposefully destroyed in an act of vandalism in keeping with the dissolution of the monasteries during the 16th century. This example is dateable to the 13th - 14th century based on associated coinage discovered with it on a river bed. The central node will give a more precise date if a parallel can be located.

This type of liturgical vessel in silver is very rare from this date, most being kept safe in treasuries under lock an key. However, today very few have managed to survive the ravages of time, both the dissolution and civil wars claimed the majority for the weight of silver bullion.

Originally such a vessel would have been crowned with a clear rock crystal container, used to display the consecrated host. The base would have been much wider, likely of a splayed hexagonal shape to stand on an altar.

A very rare and original devotional item for a serious collector!

OBJECT: Monstrance

CULTURE: Medieval

DATE: c. 1250 - 1350 A.D.

MATERIAL: Silver

SIZE:  128mm (tall)  x 50mm (widest)

WEIGHT:  67.2 grams

PROVENANCE: Ex. European Private Collection