Antique Formee Banchee Rhodian Maltese Cross Brooch Pin
$150.00
This antique brooch is in the shape of a Rhodian or Maltese Cross. The style of this Cross is Formee or Banchee, and originated from the Arms of Peter d'Aubusson, and may have influenced the evolving Cross of the Order. A picture of the Shield of the Castle of St. Peter Bodrom, 1510, with Rhodian Cross found on the Walls of Bodrum Castle, Turkey, can be found at www.orderstjohn.org/osj/cross.htm. The Cross on this brooch is made out of a silver metal. In the center of the brooch is an ornate filigree silver metal ball being held down by a crown which I believe is pure gold. Between each of the prongs of the crown there appears to have been other extended details that have broken off, with only gold showing. I have also scatched some areas of the gold, and no other color appears. The crown is held to the Cross with two posts, and one apparently came loose and was reattached with some type of substance (glue?). The back has a tube hinge and "C" type catch fitting. The needle of the hinge is connected to the tube with gold. There are no makers marks that I can discern.
(8/16/22)
