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An ornate dark metal crucifix with a ribbed stem and decorative cross, mounted on a weathered green pedestal table against a rustic corrugated metal and wood wall backdrop.
A dark metal Orthodox cross with a decorative ball finial and a central medallion, displayed on a green surface against a rustic green and gray background.
Late 18th century French provincial tinned altar cross with trefoil terminals and radiating glory standing on a rustic green painted wooden table against weathered painted boards and dried flowers.
An ornate dark metal Orthodox cross with a ribbed central stem and decorative crossbar, displayed on a green surface against a rustic corrugated metal and wood wall backdrop.
Late 18th century French provincial tinned altar cross with trefoil terminals and radiating glory standing on a rustic green painted wooden table against weathered painted boards and dried flowers.
Late 18th century French provincial tinned altar cross with trefoil terminals and radiating glory standing on a rustic green painted wooden table against weathered painted boards and dried flowers.
Late 18th century French provincial tinned altar cross with trefoil terminals and radiating glory standing on a rustic green painted wooden table against weathered painted boards and dried flowers.
Late 18th century French provincial tinned altar cross with trefoil terminals and radiating glory standing on a rustic green painted wooden table against weathered painted boards and dried flowers.
Late 18th century French provincial tinned altar cross with trefoil terminals and radiating glory standing on a rustic green painted wooden table against weathered painted boards and dried flowers.

18th Century French Provincial Tinned Altar Cross - Antique Ecclesiastical Folk Art c.1770–1810

£400.00
£400.00
Shipping calculated at checkout.

Part of The Maker's Hand - Traditional craftsmanship in wood, clay, iron and tin

Some antiques impress through extravagance. Others through quiet craftsmanship.

This beautiful French provincial altar cross belongs firmly in the second category.

Handcrafted in eastern France around 1770–1810, it was fashioned entirely from tinned sheet iron rather than cast bronze or brass. Every element reveals the hand of an accomplished provincial tinsmith: carefully rolled hollow sections, neatly soldered seams, individually cut rays of light and hand punched decorative borders. Despite standing an impressive 21½ inches (55 cm) high, it remains remarkably lightweight.

Rather than being destined for a grand cathedral, this cross was almost certainly created for a small rural church, chapel or convent. Its simple decoration and practical construction speak of craftsmanship, where skill mattered far more than expensive materials.

The symbolism is beautifully understated. The trefoil ends to each arm represent the Holy Trinity, while the radiating hand cut rays behind the centre symbolise divine light and the Resurrection. Beneath sits a delicately formed Globus Cruciger, the cross bearing globe, an ancient Christian symbol representing Christ's dominion over the world.

What we especially admire is the way this object celebrates the craftsman behind it. Unlike cast church furnishings produced in foundries, this cross could only have been made through patience and skill, each component individually shaped and assembled by hand.

Its deep, naturally aged patina has developed over more than two centuries, giving the piece a wonderfully quiet presence. Whether displayed as an object of faith, a piece of ecclesiastical history or admired as sculptural folk art, it possesses an authenticity that cannot be reproduced.

At Dusty Gems, we are naturally drawn to objects that tell the stories of ordinary craftsmen rather than grand workshops. Fashioned from humble sheets of tin by the skilled hands of a provincial tinsmith, this altar cross is a wonderful reminder that beauty often emerges from the simplest materials.

Giving a beautiful future to pieces with a past.

 

Height: 21½ inches (55 cm)

Width:  11 inches (28cm)

 

Condition

Very good antique condition with a rich, dark aged patina. Original handcrafted construction remains strong and stable. Age related wear is entirely consistent with over two centuries of devotional use and adds greatly to its authentic character.

 

Delivery

UK Delivery: £11.00 Tracked 

We also offer Click & Collect from our shop at Dagfields Craft & Antique Centre, Cheshire.

International Customers: Please contact us before purchasing for an individual shipping quotation.

Our Sustainable Packaging

 Every order is carefully packed using 100% recycled and recyclable packaging materials, helping to give both beautiful antiques and packaging a second life.

 

ABOUT DUSTY GEMS INTERIORS

At Dusty Gems Interiors, we specialise in authentic French country antiques and rustic European decorative pieces, carefully chosen for their craftsmanship, character and honest working history.

Our carefully curated collection has supplied original antiques to The Great British Bake Off, Outlander, The Great Pottery Throw Down, Johnny Vegas: Little Shop of Antiques, and West End theatre productions.

Giving a beautiful future to pieces with a past.

Visit our 1,000 sq ft showroom in Cheshire, open seven days a week.

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