Rare 17th / 18th Century Spanish Bronze Caravaca Cross – Large Pectoral Reliquary Altar Size

Magnificent, authentic antique Spanish Caravaca Cross (Cruz de Caravaca), dating precisely from the late 17th Century to the early 18th Century (circa 1680–1780).

This exceptional piece of colonial-era Christian art is cast in solid bronze/brass, displaying a stunning, deep historical patina that only centuries of age can naturally produce.

Measurements & Scale:
Unlike common, small modern pendant reproductions, this is a highly substantial pectoral or domestic altar cross.
• Height: 15cm (6 inches) from the bottom base to the tip of the hanger loop.
• Width: 6.5 cm (2.5 inches) across the main lower crossbar.

Iconography & Design:
This double-bar patriarchal cross features rich iconography on both sides.

The front beautifully depicts the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ beneath the "INRI" cartouche, flanked by the traditional two winged angels at the lower crossbar and a Memento Mori skull and crossbones at the base.

The reverse side features the Virgin Mary in prayer (Mater Dolorosa), flanked by the pillar and instruments of the Passion (Arma Christi), topped with a holy monstrance/chalice.

Scarcity & Collectibility:
This item possesses remarkable scarcity. Large, 15cm+ historic variants are incredibly difficult to find intact, as most surviving examples are tiny personal jewelry pendants.
This specific piece is a collector's dream because it preserves its completely original, primitive hanging mechanism, featuring an irregular, hand-hammered copper rivet pin and an early stylized suspension loop showing honest, centuries-old friction wear.

A distinct "sandwich" construction line is visible along its thick edges, showing where the two individually cast halves were joined—a definitive diagnostic hallmark of authentic colonial metalwork.


Condition:
Excellent antique condition. Completely uncleaned to preserve the highly desirable two-tone aged patina.
No structural breaks or modern repairs. Please inspect the high-resolution close-up photographs provided to appreciate the fine sand-casting pits and hand-chiseled details.

A museum-quality addition to any collection of Spanish colonial antiquities, religious relics, or early European metalwork.