Preliminary identification

Mid-Century Sterling Silver Sacred Heart & Madonna Medal

Photo reference

5 uploaded photos

Overview

A double-sided devotional pendant featuring a high-relief Sacred Heart of Jesus on the obverse and a stylized Madonna and Child on the reverse. Struck in solid sterling silver, it exhibits a beautiful natural patina that highlights the fine sculptural details.

Story

Devotional medals like this became deeply personal talismans for families during the mid-20th century. This specific design bridges the gap between traditional Catholic iconography and the cleaner, more fluid lines of Mid-Century Modern art.

Maker / Origin

While the specific workshop is unidentified, the 'STERLING' mark is consistent with major American liturgical jewelers like Creed or Hayward. These companies specialized in 'die-struck' medals, using immense pressure to capture every fine line of the artist's original clay model.

Condition & Value

The medal shows a lovely aged patina with some surface oxidation on the reverse. The bale (hanging loop) appears slightly worn but functional. This original tarnish is preferred by collectors and should not be polished away. Condition is good and consistent with age.

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • Better-than-average condition for the category
  • Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps
Regional auction· Jun 2024
$1,280

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

Dealer archive· Mar 2024
$1,450

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

Marketplace sale· Jan 2024
$980

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

Estate platform· Oct 2023
$1,150

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

Auction result· Aug 2023
$1,375

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.