rosary workshop
- Open Rosary Gallery - questions?
VISITOR'S
OPEN
GALLERY
ANTIQUE ROSARIES SENT IN BY VISITORS
AND FRIENDS
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17c SPANISH
ROSARY ? - IRISH
GALWAY ?
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~ SPAIN / LATIN AMERICA ? 16 - 17c ? ~ |
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I bought it in a local junk shop in Swansea, s.Wales theUK. I spotted the Rosary in the corner of the display case in the very bottom, it was just by chance as there were so many things alongside and on top of it .It might of been there for years. It was that type of shop. Other than that I am really sorry that I can't tell you more. |
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Crucifix 3 x 2 in. Medals - 1.5 in. |
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Two faced crucifix, traditional for the times CHRIST / MARY |
Two different medals of Our Lady, Traditional for the times |
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Unknown Engraving possibly identifying Our Lady on obverse side? |
Hand formed silver caps cover bone (?) Beads |
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Thomas Scott Tucker responds: 'I have some information on the first listed rosary in your section asking readers to help identify rosaries. The rosary is listed (possibly) as a 17 century Spanish rosary. On the back of the center medal an inscription reads “N SD NEVA.” Neva is one form of the word “nieve”, and may be familiar from the name of the state of Nevada. (Spanish for snow fall, snow covered, snow clad) The abbreviation on the medal stands for Nuestra Senora de Neva (put a squiggly tilda over the n in Senora and pronounce it like the n in “new.”) This would be a medal of Our Lady of the Snow. + This Marian devotion is widespread in Italy, Spain, Portugal and Latin America. According to one legend, a wealthy noble couple in Rome had prayed for children but received none, so they prayed instead to use their wealth for a good cause. In one version, she appears in dreams to the couple and also to Pope Liberius (352 – 366), telling all three of them to build a church in a place where she will send a miraculous sign. + At the height of summer, a miraculous snow was said to have snowcapped the Esquiline Hill in Rome, and that is where the Basilica Liberii was built. It was restored and dedicated to Our Lady by Pope Sixtus III. According to an article in the Catholic Encyclopedia online, the legend itself did not arise till several centuries later but became popular and was absorbed into some liturgies. + There is also a legend that travelers in the Sierra Nevada in Spain were rescued from a snowstorm by the guidance of Our Lady of the Snow. For more information the Spanish Wikipedia entry is useful (search using her name in Spanish), and also the Catholic Encyclopedia article in English at this weblink:' www.newadvent.org/cathen/11361c.htm Santa Maria Maggiore + With special thanks to Thomas Scott Tucker from the Rosary Workshop |
ECRX.638 - (Spain 16c) |
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~ IRISH GALWAY ? ~ |
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"I went to a small auction in up state NY since they had a large grouping of older Native American items and with these items was found this rosary - I purchased the rosary as well as a few of the Indian items. I did some minimal research as I know little about rosaries (raised protestant so not too familiar with the catholic rituals) and came upon your web site and the Galway rosary - a really wonderful web site by the way - which is so similar to what I have that I assumed it was in the same family." |
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I do not collect religious items, as I keep my interest with the Native American Indian material, so I may consider selling or trading this rosary. But I love to find out the most I can about beautiful things such as this - as anything that holds this much energy and human life deserves better understanding (this is also why I collect the Native material - the energy in those pieces can be very strong). Any information would be great. I appreciate your time and knowledge." James Compton |
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Galway (Irish: Gaillimh) crucifixes seem to carry the Spanish influence and yours seems to have more of the European look than the one we have below but between the two, it gives one the overall feeling of these tubular Galway crosses. I sincerely doubt yours was made in the US as yours carries all the attributes of a 19 c rosary with its wooden Avea and metal Paters. The 'upside down' crucifix with tassels is standard and the heart center was popular through the 1900s. A wonderful piece - I hope someone visiting has more to share. |
CRX.47- (Ireland -18c) |
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~ JOHN WILLIAM WOLF'S ROSARY ~
HANDCARVED WOOD CRUCIFIX SET IN SILVER closeup of crucifix - 2 in (52mm) |
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I have been studying your web site and information. Can you help us identify, date, and tell us how to re-string our rosary? My family found this rosary in a basement in an old tobacco sack. The string is broken so it is no longer intact. We don't know if any beads are missing. It came from the estate of our Uncles’ Edward Wolf (Born 1890 - Died 1971) and Lewis Wolf (Born 1894 - Died 1963). We believe that it belonged to their Grandfather John William Wolf, Sr. (Born 1809 - Died about 1899). |
beads sorted by size |
caps, charms, back of crucifix |
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possible configuration of original rosary (beads range from 5 to 12mm) |
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This is a wonderful rosary and carries all the attributes of being home made for personal prayer. I believe you have dated it very well through the enclosed history. The crucifix is interesting. It has a sense of the Irish Penal with its short cross arms. Yet the wood carving is set in a metal frame like the German crucifixes we see used and crafted by religious for use on rosaries. The little 'tooth' like carving is found on old rosaries of this period along with the pierced extremities of the crucified Christ including - 2 hands, 2 feet and often skulls. Does any one know what the little tooth like carving symbolizes? Also see the little chalice like cup to capture the lifeblood of Christ. It appears that the image of Mary is carved at the feet of Christ on the Crucifix. We visited the Hohenzollern Castle in Germany where he worked - truly magnificent! |
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TO CRUCIFIX ABOVE 
CRX.15 |
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~ WHAT IS THIS ? ~ |
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Someone gave me an item which seems to have everyone stumped as to its purpose and operation. It is described as a metal cross embedded with an image of Jesus. It is attached to a metal cylinder by a small metal chain (beads). The cylinder is embedded with the following on the left side(nearest to the chain attaching the end of the cylinder to the cross): 5R,4L,3R,2L,,1R, On the right hand end of the cylinder are two arrows pointed in opposite directions indicating L (left) & R (right).... |
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We are totally baffled! Thomas Jefferson devised an encoder and decoder of messages during the American Revolution (Cypher Wheel of wooded discs - look it up) and the internet has some great games for kids under the Cypher Wheel. Something like a bicycle combination lock, but do not see a relationship here. The word Kryptex or Cryptex brings up interesting images (including the Da Vinci Code). + Does anyone have any thoughts on this? One of a kind? Suspect if used as a prayer counter, it was designed and made by someone who knew its mystery! Was it designed to open up - or just count? |
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~ SENDING YOUR IMAGES ~
.. SENDING YOUR IMAGES FOR CONSIDERATION ... |
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Since this is an open museum for antique and vintage rosaries, we encourage you to send your images for consideration with the following in mind: CLEAR IMAGES (a must) - UNUSUAL CONFIGURATIONS AND MATERIALS USED + ANY INFORMATION YOU HAVE IS IMPORTANT If known, please include AGE - ORIGIN - SIZE If you don't know, possibly you have information on its owner, age or history. Please include anything you feel will identify your rosary or chaplet such as prayers, name of chaplets if known. Remember, the purpose of this site is for the student of the rosary - for those interested in the history of the rosary and how it has been used over the centuries. + WE MAY BE ABLE TO HELP So if you have no information, please do not let that stop you from sending it in. And if we cant help, we will ask for others to add their comments. + WELCOMING YOUR COMMENTS You may see rosaries and chaplets in our museum that you know something about, if so, please share - many have and it has become a wonderful resource for those who want to learn about the rosary and its history. + SEND ATTACHMENTS AND INFORMATION TO: Please identify your email ROSARY MUSEUM so it is not deleted by mistake. Mail information and images to: |
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1st CLASS Part of a Saints body (bone, hair, etc.) and the instruments of Christ's passion 2nd CLASS
3rd CLASS
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~ VISITOR COMMENTS ~ |
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De Colores: Thank you for the information/research on the History of the Rosary. I have been asked to make a presentation on the Holy Rosary to my fellow paritioners Cursllistas de Christiandad and you info is great. I'll be back for additional information. My prayers and appreciation. Joe Noriega |
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antique rosary museum index history index FOR MORE ROSARIES AND CHAPLETS: Filigree Rosaries - Various Chaplets - Identify Misc Parts Cleric Rosaries - Visitors Open Gallery HUNT MUSEUM COLLECTION Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore |
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