Antique French Silver Medal Praying Virgin Mary 1899 – Signed H. Dubois – Religious Pendant

A prayer captured in silver, frozen in time for over a century.

This antique sterling silver pendant medal depicts the Virgin Mary, veiled, hands joined in prayer, turned toward a cross — a scene of quiet grace, signed by the medalist H. Dubois. On the reverse, a delicately intertwined monogram accompanies the engraved date "6 Juillet 1899" (July 6, 1899), surrounded by finely chased wheat and grape motifs. The edge, stamped ARGENT (silver), confirms the authenticity of the material.

Type: Antique religious pendant medal
Period: 19th century (dated 1899)
Material: Sterling silver, edge stamped ARGENT
Dimensions: 22 mm diameter (0.87 in) — Weight: 5.6 g
Origin: France
Condition: Good vintage condition, natural patina, engravings and relief well preserved

The relief of the Virgin's face and veil is rendered with remarkable finesse, characteristic of the skill of French medalists at the close of the 19th century. The profile composition captures a moment of quiet devotion with real intensity, while the personalized reverse — monogram and date — turns this medal into a genuine keepsake of a life moment, likely a communion, baptism, or family gift. The H. Dubois signature adds further collector interest: this Parisian medalist, active at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, engraved numerous medals for French municipal savings banks and institutions — a well-documented body of work sought after by numismatists and collectors of religious medals alike.

This medal wears easily as a pendant, alone on a fine chain or layered with other antique pieces for a more personal look; it also holds its own in a collection of 19th-century religious jewelry or devotional objects.

It appeals to antique jewelry collectors, lovers of religious art and signed medals, and anyone seeking a gift rich in meaning and history.

Authentic, signed, dated, and engraved with a personal dedication — this medal combines rarity, craftsmanship, and emotional depth, making it a piece sought after by connoisseurs.

With its praying Virgin signed by H. Dubois and its engraved date of 1899, this antique sterling silver medal embodies both the art of the French medalist and the memory of a cherished moment — an authentic religious jewel, ready to carry its story for many more years to come.

Follow along on Instagram @arts_chris_riviera for new finds and a behind-the-scenes look at each restoration: https://www.instagram.com/arts_chris_riviera/