RARE ANTIQUE C. 18th CENT. SILVER CATHOLIC JESUIT MEDAL " IHS " ST. FRANCIS XAVIER
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:516148 | Country/Region of Manufacture: Unknown |
| Featured Refinements: Antique Catholic medal | Material: Solid silver alloy; acid-tested |
| Type: Pendant |
Unique, beautifully preserved large (weight ~7g) silver Catholic medal pendant featuring Spanish ornate design with small heart-shaped pendant attached to the medal centerpiece. The medal is likely associated with the Society of Jesus (Jesuit Order) bearing the official Christogram of the Order on one side and an iconic depiction of Saint Francis Xavier, a co-founder of the Order (canonized in 1622), on the other side. Origin likely c. 17-18th century Spain, following the official esta...blishment of the Society of Jesus which originated in 16th century Spain. The medal appears to be handmade of unmarked high-grade ("sterling-like") silver alloy of unknown proportions; was acid-tested positive for the presence of silver (please see the last pictures; note the red color of the testing solution). It is mildly worn off according to its age, with small deformations, dents and scratches, and covered with patches of dark patina. The size and weight of the pendant are shown on the photographs.One side of the medal bears the IHS Christogram with the “H” surmounted by the Cross above the three Crucifixion nails. The Christogram on the background of Sun is the official emblem of the Society of Jesus (Jesuit Order), according to tradition introduced by St. Ignatius of Loyola in 1541. The “IHS” symbol represents the first three letters of the Greek name of Jesus, ΙΗΣΟΥΣ, iota-eta-sigma, or ΙΗΣ. "IHS" is sometimes interpreted as meaning "ΙΗΣΟΥΣ ΗΜΕΤΕΡΟΣ ΣΩΤΗΡ" (Iēsous Hēmeteros Sōtēr, "Jesus our Saviour"), or "Jesus Hominum Salvator" (Latin: "Jesus, Saviour of men”).
The other side of the medal bears a detailed iconic image of SaintFrancis Xavier, S.J. who was a Roman Catholic missionary and a co-founder ofthe Society of Jesus. Bornin Javier (Xavier in Navarro-Aragonese or Xabier in Basque), Kingdom of Navarre(in present day Spain), he was a companion of Saint Ignatius of Loyola and oneof the first seven Jesuits who took vows of poverty and chastity at Montmartre, Paris, in 1534. He led an extensivemission into Asia, and was the first Christian missionary to venture intoJapan, Borneo, the Maluku Islands, and other areas. He was beatified by PopePaul V on October 25, 1619 and canonized by Pope Gregory XV on March 12, 1622. Known as the "Apostle of theIndies" and "Apostle of Japan", he is considered to be one ofthe greatest missionaries since Saint Paul. Please examine all photographs carefully and do your own research if necessary. Please note that photographs are an important part of the item's description. The U.S. quarter coin, decorative stone and measuring meter are not for sale, and are photographed with the item in order to provide a size reference. Please ask all questions before making a purchase. There are no guarantees with the listing because most items are original vintage or antique objects that are quite old. All items are sold "as is" with no returns because of a change of mind offered. Shipping and handling is free for the continental US. International buyers, please ask me for a shipping quote prior to buying. Please note that customs regulations differ from country to country, and it is a buyer's responsibility to ensure that any customs fees or other duties collected by the buyer's country are paid and satisfied in full.
The other side of the medal bears a detailed iconic image of SaintFrancis Xavier, S.J. who was a Roman Catholic missionary and a co-founder ofthe Society of Jesus. Bornin Javier (Xavier in Navarro-Aragonese or Xabier in Basque), Kingdom of Navarre(in present day Spain), he was a companion of Saint Ignatius of Loyola and oneof the first seven Jesuits who took vows of poverty and chastity at Montmartre, Paris, in 1534. He led an extensivemission into Asia, and was the first Christian missionary to venture intoJapan, Borneo, the Maluku Islands, and other areas. He was beatified by PopePaul V on October 25, 1619 and canonized by Pope Gregory XV on March 12, 1622. Known as the "Apostle of theIndies" and "Apostle of Japan", he is considered to be one ofthe greatest missionaries since Saint Paul. Please examine all photographs carefully and do your own research if necessary. Please note that photographs are an important part of the item's description. The U.S. quarter coin, decorative stone and measuring meter are not for sale, and are photographed with the item in order to provide a size reference. Please ask all questions before making a purchase. There are no guarantees with the listing because most items are original vintage or antique objects that are quite old. All items are sold "as is" with no returns because of a change of mind offered. Shipping and handling is free for the continental US. International buyers, please ask me for a shipping quote prior to buying. Please note that customs regulations differ from country to country, and it is a buyer's responsibility to ensure that any customs fees or other duties collected by the buyer's country are paid and satisfied in full.
