A magnificent and remarkable rare find for the discerning collector of historic religious antiquities.
 
This exceptional 19th-century French votive church or Santos crown (couronne) dates to the Napoleon III era (circa 1860) and was originally crafted to adorn a life-sized devotional statue of the Virgin Mary in a French chapel.
 
Expertly hand-fashioned from warmly patinated gilded metal, the crown features sweeping, elegant arches terminating in a traditional orb and cross finial with a ruby red 'gem' in the centre.
 
The ornate base band is meticulously detailed with classic French stylised jewelled fleurs-de-lys, intricate openwork filigree, and deeply textured borders that showcase the masterful craftsmanship of the period.
 
What elevates this piece to highly collectible liturgical art, as well s the craftsmanship, is its extraordinary state of preservation. While most surviving church crowns suffer extensive loss from decades of ceremonial handling, this treasure is entirely complete. 
 
The couronne features a brilliant array of original, hand-set faceted glass stones including vivid, deep crimson cabochons, striking emerald-green lozenges along side sparkling rhinestones, they are original and there are absolutely no missing stones, which is very rare to find.
 
The metal retains its original, untouched golden-bronze patina, with some verdigris, offering the perfect amount of historic depth and authentic character, developed over the last 150 years or so, patina that cannot be replicated.
 
It does show its age and authenticity, the metal arches of the crown have changed shape over its life, the top is at a slight angle, they could be eased back to their original shape, but this to me is part of its story and I have left them as found.
 
Standing at an impressive full-sized scale; approximately 10" (25cm tall); 8" (20cm) across at the widest point and 6" (15.5cm) in diameter at the headband. 
 
This crown is a one of a kind breathtaking heirloom quality addition to your collection.