Rosary - Art Deco Rosary in 800 Silver and Rare...

Raro Rosario Art Déco in Argento 800 e Vetro all'Uranio Fluorescente – Italia, Periodo Fascista (1934-1944) Technical data: Total weight: 13.5 grams Description: Splendid and exceptional Catholic rosary from the period, dating to the mid-1930s / early 1940s (peak period of the Kingdom of Italy). This sacred art object combines a high devotional value with extraordinary rarity for collectors in scientific and antique spheres. The Beads (Uranium Glass / Vaseline Glass): The Ave Maria and Pater Noster beads feature a fascinating oval “rice grain” shape. When viewed in sunlight they display a delicate milky coloration with opalescent reflections. When exposed to ultraviolet light (Wood's lamp / UV), they emit a spectacular and intense glowing neon green fluorescence. This chemico-physical phenomenon attests to its authenticity as genuine uranium glass of the era. The Crucifix and the Structure: Entirely mounted on a silver chain. The crucifix is a refined example of Italian craftsmanship in the Art Deco style. It is characterized by a geometric herringbone (chevron) pattern along the arms of the cross and stylized trilobed terminals. Stamps and Dating: On the suspension lug of the crucifix are stamped three marks from the period, including the cut-diamond shaped (exagonal) hallmark introduced with the law of February 5, 1934 (Kingdom of Italy) which originally bore the fasces and the initials of the silver workshop’s province, accompanied by the oval 800 hallmark and the third assay/metric control mark. This combination allows dating the object with absolute certainty between 1934 and 1944. Condition: Excellent vintage condition, with a beautiful patina of time on the silver that emphasizes its authenticity and period. Solid structure and beads perfectly intact. Historical and Scientific Curiosities (For Collectors) The Secret of Uranium Glass: Until the 1940s, European glassmasters (especially Bohemian and Italian) added tiny percentages of uranium oxide to the alloy to achieve particular color nuances. With the advent of World War II and the development of nuclear energy, uranium became strictly rationed for military purposes, nearly halting production of these items and making them extremely rare and highly sought after today. 100% Safe: Despite the name evoking radioactivity, the emission level of uranium glass is negligible, comparable to the normal background radiation of the Earth. The uranium atoms are firmly encapsulated within the glass’s chemical structure (silica), making the rosary completely safe to handle, wear, and collect. The Enigma of the 3 Stamps: The presence of triple hallmarking on a piece of Italian silverware from this period is an elite detail. In addition to the silver mark (800) and the fascist maker’s mark (the 1934 diamond), the third mark attests to an additional state or customs metric control. A true, indelible “identity card” engraved in the metal.

Estimate:$167.94

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