Presenting a beautifully preserved, heavy vintage South African Sterling Silver Saint Christopher medallion handcrafted in 1989 by the renowned master silversmith Erich Tiessen. The dual-sided collector's piece features the traditional patron saint of travel on the front and a beautifully hand-engraved vintage love note on the reverse. Fully hallmarked with official South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) voluntary assay stamps, making it a highly collectible piece of South African jewelry history.
DETAILED ITEM DESCRIPTION:
Front Iconography:
The front of the medal features a highly detailed, crisp relief of Saint Christopher wading through deep waters carrying the Christ Child on his shoulder. The outer border features the traditional protective traveling inscription: "BEHOLD ST. CHRISTOPHER THEN GO YOUR WAY IN SAFETY"
Reverse & Engraving:
The reverse features an elegant authentic 1980's copperplate cursive engraving that reads: "PHIILIP / LOVE /ANNELEEN" (accompanied by decorative underline flourishes)
Authenticity & Hallmarks:
This piece features a complete, clear set of rare official South African voluntary assay hallmarks stamped near the top rim:
1.) E.T.+ (Inside a swallow-tail banner block): The registered maker's mark for master craftsman Erich Tiessen.
2.) STG & STERLING SILVER: Double-certified purity stamps for solid 925 Sterling Silver.
3.) Stylized Lion's Head (Open top shield): The official South African national silver purity guarantee mark.
4.) Uppercase "Q" (Square with cut/chamfered corners): The exact SABS assay date letter code pinpointing the year 1989.
Condition notes:
The medallion is in excellent vintage condition with sharp, legible lettering and crisp imagery. It retains gentle, genuine, aged patina which beautifully accentuates the depth of the silver reliefs.
ITEM SPECIFICATIONS:
* Material: Sterling Silver (.925)
* Weight: 6.69 grams
* Diameter: 26mm
* Country of Origin: South Africa
* Year of Manufacturing: 1989
* Maker/Silversmith: Erich Tiessen
* Condition: Vintage/Pre-owned (Beautiful natural patina, crisp engraving)
Please see images as they form part of my description.
NOTE WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO DELETE ANY BID FROM BUYERS WITH NEGATIVE RATINGS OR NO RATINGS!
PLEASE DO NOT BID ON ANY OF OUR ITEMS IF YOU DO NOT INTEND TO PURCHASE AND PAY FOR IT!!!
