1950s Civelli Rosary

 
Here is a little history on the Civelli Rosary. There are several versions and different colorations but all were produced in the 1950's and designed by the Italian sculptor Civelli. They were made of "Ivorine" which is a plastic resin material similar to celluloid. One type of this rosary is the 1950's Civelli Rosary with Regina Pacis, Queen of Peace, center with relic soil from the Catacombs of Rome embedded in the reverse of the center. The beads portray the Litany of the Blessed Virgin and the Mysteries of the Holy Rosary. Latin inscriptions are on the reverse of each bead. The original tag "Made in Italy" and "Marque Depose" (Trade Marked) may be present on some rosaries. 

The first Civelli rosary is the famous Jubilee Year MCML (1950) Civelli Rosary. Originally designed by the famous Italian sculptor Civelli in the late 1940's for the 1950 Holy Year, this was the first issue of the rosary and has a center with the Holy Spirit and Anno Sancto (Holy Year) 1950 (in Roman Numerals MCML) on the reverse. The Civelli rosary is one of the few patented rosaries. 
 
These are incredibly beautiful rosaries, and are increasingly difficult to find. Although many have never been used, the ones that show wear from prayer are especially beautiful. The beads and crucifix  resemble ivory more and more as they age and are polished with touch.  I have rarely seen a broken Civelli rosary, so most are sturdy enough for continued daily use even though they are over 60 years old.

 The above Civelli rosary is somewhat worn from prayer and has a mellow aging that makes it even more lovely to behold. See it on The Sacred Bead.