Beautiful and unusual vintage five-decade Catholic rosary featuring elongated, faceted brown goldstone glass beads, also known as copper-aventurine glass. The beads contain dense copper-colored particles suspended throughout the translucent brown glass, producing a rich metallic sparkle when they catch the light.
The rosary is approximately 25 inches long from end to end when laid straight. Instead of conventional matching Our Father beads, it incorporates decorative pierced metal bar stations with geometric openwork detailing.
The double-sided, cross-shaped center depicts Jesus on one side and the Madonna and Child on the other, surrounded by a dramatic radiating sunburst design. The crucifix has geometric engraved decoration, rounded terminals, an INRI plaque, and an applied figure of Christ. The plain reverse shows that the crucifix is constructed from stamped brass or brass-tone base metal with a separately attached corpus.
The geometric metalwork, elongated faceted beads, and radiating devotional center have a strong Art Deco appearance. The rosary is believed to date from approximately the 1930s–1950s, although the exact age, maker, and country of origin are unknown. No maker’s mark, country mark, or precious-metal hallmark was found.
Condition
Good vintage devotional condition with honest wear from age and handling. The brass or brass-tone components display darkened patina, finish variation, scratches, and small areas of blue-green oxidation associated with aged copper-bearing metal.
Under magnification, the goldstone beads show copper-colored particles embedded throughout the glass rather than surface-applied glitter. The beads retain strong internal sparkle but have extensive fine surface scratching, microscopic pitting, facet wear, and a somewhat gritty feel. One photographed bead has a prominent curved surface scratch. No peeling decorative coating was observed.
Some connecting rings and wire loops are uneven or slightly misshapen from age and use, but the rosary appears intact and retains its traditional five-decade arrangement. Please review all photographs carefully, including the magnified bead images, as they are an important part of the condition description.
The metal has not been tested and is not represented as sterling silver, gold, or another precious metal. No cleaning or polishing has been performed beyond gentle dry dusting, preserving the original aged patina.
A striking vintage devotional piece suitable for Catholic prayer, rosary collecting, religious display, or an Art Deco religious-art collection.
Item details
Type: Five-decade Catholic rosary
Approximate length: 25 inches end to end
Beads: Faceted brown goldstone/copper-aventurine glass
Center: Double-sided Jesus and Madonna with Child
Crucifix: Stamped brass or brass-tone base metal with applied corpus
Stations: Pierced geometric metal bar stations
Estimated period: Circa 1930s–1950s
Maker: Unknown
Country of origin: Unknown
Markings: None found
Condition: Vintage pre-owned condition with patina and surface wear