**Previously Listed At $500**

Eastern Europe, Russia, ca. 18th century CE. A beautiful and ornate silver cross pendant with complex iconography and a loop for suspension. One side depicts the Orthodox cross, with two cross bars at the top and a slanted cross bar at the bottom. On the left and right of the cross bar are the letters "IC" and "XC" respectively, the abbreviation for Christ. Below that, in Cyrillic, is an abbreviation for the "King of Glory". In the topmost arm, also in Cyrillic, is "Son of God", while in Cyrillic on the bottom arm it reads "NIKE", referring to the Greco-Roman goddess of Victory, an abbreviation meaning "Christ Conquers". Flanking the cross are a spear and a cane, while below it is a skull, meant to be the skull of Adam. On the reverse, in densely cast, archaic Cyrillic, is the "Cross Prayer". Size: 1.4" W x 2.4" H (3.6 cm x 6.1 cm); Weight: 18.2 grams

Provenance: private Orange County, California, USA collection

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#122970

Very slight bend at center; otherwise excellent. Many similar crosses were enameled, but this example bears no trace of remaining enamel. Cord shown in photo is not included.