Featured SILVER ST. CHRISTOPHER FOR CAR - DON'T KNOW MARKS....

Hi all!! Sometime back in the early Seventies, my Mom gave my DH the below pictured sterling Saint Christopher 'medallion' for his car.....since...cars......we've never been able to figure out the mark below "sterling".....is it familiar to anyone here??? The size is 4" wide and 3" high.....but he never screwed it on the outside of any car.....he figured it was a good way to get it stolen!!! I think it's much too nice!!! Thank you so much in advance, for any and all help!!!!

 

Think you were meant to put it on the dashboard, back when there was a lot of empty space on them.

 

I see a trefoil kind of cross
The cross 'arms'? are kind of paddle-like
A "C" - can't tell which is over the other
The crosses on the emblem look a bit like iron crosses

I do not know what what that all means! It's very cool, @Aquitaine

 

Cross Pattee on the front and the trademark looks like a Cross of Lorraine with a "C".

 

In a rapid search, I find american silversmiths who have "fantaisie" hallmarks, can it be american ?

 

Looks like the mark of The Thomae Company of Attleboro, Massachusetts.

https://www.925-1000.com/americansilver_T.html

 

Except that it's more decorative on the top and bottom of the "cross", I think @Bakersgma probably hit the nail on the head!!! Thank you all for your lovely comments....now I have to go see what the 'cross of Lorraine' looks like!!!!

Edit: OOOOOOH, didja know.......

 

And I've saved that info, thank you very much Bakers!!!!!

 

SNOPES

Fun facts about the design, symbols, illuminati, world domination, Nabisco logos, cookie manufacturing... This article covers a lot of ground!

 

Here in Southern California, we knew a girl had achieved a certain kind of womanhood when she showed up at school wearing a Saint Christopher medal from her surfer boyfriend.

It had to be this type:


I think very few knew it was a symbol of comfort and protection... It had much higher value as a status symbol

 

a certain kind of womanhood...........

now that's something i haven't heard before....my mind wanders.....

 

Don't forget circle pins, AKA "Virgin pins"

The etsy seller above actually calls it a virgin pin



Some sources say that if the pin was worn on the left side it meant you hadn't "done it" yet. Afterwords, you would switch the pin to the right side. The musical Grease has a famous part involving the iconic pin: In one scene, Frenchie uses a "virgin" pin to pierce Sandy's ear.

I wouldn't say would switch it, more like could switch it...

And wearing black and red on friday = slut

 

What??? I have never any such things. Maybe I lived in the wrong place for them.

 

Or the right place, maybe...

It's called "mean girls," the girls who make up the rules.

 

This site is so great. You not only can learn about antiques of all shapes sizes & materials, but you can also get schooled in the meaning behind what you always thought were just a piece of jewelry or was just a religious medal.



I can't wait till @Aquitaine comes back & sees the left turn her thread has taken.

 

Back to @Aquitaine 's Saint Christopher plaque, I really love the idea of your mother giving it to someone she loves and attaching it to their car - or suitcase? - to protect.

Very sweet

 

I once found a small round pin back on the street...
Black..with a fuchsia triangle....in good shape...so i picked it up....
did i know what it meant..........no !!!

 

Thanks ALL!!!!! I'm SO ENJOYING the twists and turns this thread is/has taken!!!!.....you just never know where it will end up!!!! Oh Mom really wanted to protect her only son-in-law.....since he had taken her one and only "princess" daughter away from NJ to New England!!!!!!! tee-hee!! But then something's kept him safe all these years, too!!!!!! So far be it from me to look a gift horse in the mouth..... so to speak!!

 

Has it been moved from car to car over the years?

 

Yes, @Bakersgma, he always carried/carries it in the glove compartment!!