Antique 1879 Our Lady of Knock Rosary Stanhope Lens Cross Case Repair For Sale

Up for sale is a museum-quality, late 19th-century Catholic devotional rosary featuring an exceptional optical novelty. Hand-carved from bovine bone, this rare prayer chain contains deep historical ties to Ireland and France.

Item Details:

• Apparition Connection: The hand-carved cross houses an intact glass Stanhope micro-lens. Looking through the tiny lens reveals a rare, highly coveted black and white drawing depicting the famous silent Apparition of Our Lady at Knock, Ireland, which occurred on August 21, 1879.

• Commemorative Papal Medal: A solid bronze medal featuring the profile portrait of Pope Pius IX. The left edge reads PIUS IX PONT. MAX. and the right edge reads ANNO XXV, dating this component to the 25th anniversary of his pontificate in 1871.

• Jubilee Crucifix Pendant: A stamped brass crucifix featuring the explicit French inscription JUBILE UNIVERSEL 1865 on the reverse side, commemorating the Universal Jubilee.

• Materials: Hand-carved bovine bone beads with detailed concentric rosebud turnings along an aged brass link chain.

• Included Pouch: Comes with a vintage mid-century black textured vinyl My Rosary protective storage pouch with a secure snap closure.

• Condition Note: This antique piece is structurally stable but shows an old repair. The top-left attachment loop on the center monogram medal is detached and currently secured with a tied vintage thread. The bone elements, bronze medal, and brass jubilee cross remain in outstanding antique condition with crisp text stampings. The Stanhope lens is firmly seated and completely clear.

Please review the detailed macro listing photos to view the individual rosebud carvings, the historical text stamps, and the optical lens layout