This is a scarce 1940s silver Jerusalem pilgrimage medal in 925 silver. These medals were presented or available to people who conducted pilgrimages to Jerusalem (silver was conferred on those who journeyed twice; they were issued in gold/silver gilt, silver and in bronze). This medal was designed by Leo XIII in May. 1901, empowering the Custodian of the Holy Land to bestow it upon pilgrims who presented a certificate of good, moral Christian life from their parish priest and a genuine religious intention in making the journey to the Holy Land and acted as a testimonial and souvenir of the pilgrimage. The decoration is a cross similar to that of the Knights of the Holy Sepulcher, save that the four small crosses are crutched instead of being simple. A medallion with the inscription LEO XIII CREAVIT. ANNO M.C.M. occupies the centre of the large cross. On each branch of the large cross are graven figures of the Annunciation, Nativity, Baptism of Christ, and Last Supper respectively. On the crutched-shaped extremities are the words CHRISTI AMOR CRUCIFIX TRAXIT NOS ("the love of the crucified Christ attracted us"). On the reverse side of the cross, the figure of Christ appears in the centre. On the branches are representations of the Agony in the Garden, Flagellation, Crowning with Thorns and Crucifixion, and on the extremities of the branches the words SIGNUM SACRI ITINERIS HIERSOLIMITANI ("Symbol of the holy voyage to Jerusalem", also found on the original box). There are three classes of medals issued: gold, silver, and bronze. This particular medal was awarded to Jozef Mikolajczyk in the late 1940s after his service with the Polish Artillery in World War II. This 1-3/4" across medal is stamped 925, it has its original red, blue, yellow and white silk ribbon and loop, and it comes with the original gilt stamped and linen wrapped and felt-lined red box. It weighs 19.0 grams (including ribbon), and it is in excellent original condition with no dents, bends, corrosion, losses, damage or repairs. Please note that we have left it in the original condition as consigned to us - the medal has the original unpolished patina and the ribbon has a crease (we haven't ironed it). The box has some minor corner rubs and some water staining on the bottom. All items are thoroughly and conservatively graded and all condition issues are noted; all items are vintage or antique and may have slight signs of gentle use. Surface shipping to the continental U.S. starts at $6 (other spots may vary) - insured is higher, and mandatory on items over $85 if paid with a credit card. Items paid with a credit card will be shipped to confirmed addresses only. We do ship internationally. All of our prices are in $US. NOTE: we do not accept PayPal.
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