Recently Sold (PGP207)

Saint George - 19th Century Bronze 'Travellers' Medallion Pendant. This wonderful medallion is crafted from bronze.  It is a 19th century travelers amulet , on one side saint George on horseback patron of travelers on the other side a ship in a storm and people asking for salvation . The pendant has a wonderful dark bronze aged patina, and the designs are still crisp. The pendant has been matched up to a bronze chain and a contemporary bronze bale has been added. The chain featured a secure lobster claw clasp, which is in perfect working order. This is a unique and wonderful piece for any collection. 

History: One of the most famous amulets for travelers was a coin depicting St. George, the patron saint of knights and other warriors. This type of mascot comes from the Mansfeld thaler. It was first released in 1521 by Count Mansfeld in honor of the patron saint of his family. Legend has it that the officer was saved from being wounded in battle by a Mansfeld thaler, which he carried with him. The legend spread quickly and the value of the thalers themselves increased, thanks to cunning traders (up to 10-20 times the original cost). Belief in the legend was strengthened when Colonel von Lisbau was probably twice rescued by a Mansfeld thaler sewn into his clothes. It is known that during the Thirty Years' War and the war with the Turks, all officers and even some ordinary soldiers wore these thalers. Thus, the demand was so great that entrepreneurs began to produce a special mascot from St. George. They were different sizes, silver, gold or bronze but all of the same type. On one side of St. George on a horse runs a dragon and the inscription "S. GEORGIUS. EQUITUM PATRONUS" (St. George, patron saint of knights). On the other side is a ship with a sail in a stormy sea and a sleeping Christ with two frightened apostles. The wind blows through a small cloud into the sail. The inscription "IN TEMPESTATE SECURITAS" (In bad weather protection). 

Saint George is thought to have been born into a noble Christian family in the late third century in what is now modern-day Turkey. As a soldier and officer in the Roman army, he refused to denounce his faith and persecute fellow Christians leading to his martyrdom in 303 AD.

St George was actually born in Cappadocia, Turkey, around 270AD. St George was a high-ranking officer in the Roman army who protested against the Romans' torture of Christians. Roman emperor Diocletian ordered his death for failing to recant his faith. And that's how he became a Christian martyr.

Measurements: Pendant (including bale) 41.00 mm x 25.00 mm    Chain 20" 

Weight: 9.30 grams 

Condition: Excellent 

Origin: Europe 

Date: 19th Century