Antique Bavarian rosaries are some of the most incredible rosaries ever produced and are highly collectible. They are unique to this region of Germany, and what truly sets them apart is the gorgeous filigree silverwork. (I have seen silver filigree work called spun silver by some antique and vintage jewelry dealers.)
These are generally strung rosaries, although some of them are linked. They have been produced for hundreds of years and are still produced in much the same manner today. Note the distinctive crucifix of filigree with an inlaid enameled cross set into the silver. Bavarian rosaries from the 1700s and early 1800s sometimes have a simple inset cross made of wood and mother of pearl. This rosary most likely dates from the late 1800s. Above the large cross, you'll almost always find a Credo cross, smaller and simpler in design. Although many of the rosaries are five decades, most are six. Over the years, these rosaries are strung and resturng- so the age cannot be determined by the stinging material. Beads also get replaced as the rosaries break and beads are lost- it is quite common to find slightly mismatched beads making up part of the rosary. The tiny spacer beads between each Ave bead are also commonly replaced after a rosary breaks and many of the tiny beads are lost. The German word for rosary is rosenkranz, and it does not refer simply to Bavarian rosaries, rather all rosaries. Using the word does not mean the rosary is old or new, simply German. Just as chapelet is the French word for rosary, whether antique or modern.
This beautiful rosary can be found on Antiques page 12 on The Sacred Bead. Antique Bavarian rosaries are increasingly difficult to find and are true, high-end collector rosaries. (This beautiful rosary is now in a private collection.)
Main filigree cross with inset enameled cross, note the smaller Credo cross above and the little dangle at the bottom of the main cross.
Six decades with filigree Pater beads.
Exceptional filigree work!
Although unfamiliar to the eyes of rosary users in the United States, antique strung rosaries are common in Europe and descended from the earliest of rosaries. Wiring a rosary didn't come into fashion until the 1700s so in the vast history of prayer beads, it is a rather modern development! The common 5decade rosary is frequently found strung in France, Belgium and Germany, but the most famous of the strung rosaries are the 5 and 6 decade rosaries from Bavaria with their gorgeous antique filigree silver crosses and Pater beads. Note the second cross above the main cross- this is the Credo Cross. Some of the main crosses have enamel on copper inserts, the oldest of these have wood and mother of pearl crosses in the center of the silver filigree. Because of the amount of use these rosaries got, the string would often break and need to be replaced. Sometimes beads were lost and replaced over the decades. This is just part of them being authentic antique rosaries.These are truly collector rosaries, yet are still produced in Bavaria and are exceptional in their beauty.
Fifteen decade antique strung rosaries can be found in France, often with wood or bone beads.
This is a beautiful example of an antique Bavarian rosary. Several beads have been replace on this one and the string may be from the mid-1900s, but the rosary originated in the 1800s. This one is a six decade rosary, quite common with Bavarian Rosaries. Find original antique Bavarian rosaries at The Sacred Bead.
Beautiful silver and enamel work highlight the main cross. Note the smaller Credo Cross.
This is a simpler antique Bavarian rosary without the enameled inset in the cross.
From the 1800s, this full 15 decade antique French rosary has bone beads and bone cross with a brass corpus. Lovely antique rosary, still intact after more than a century!
Sweet little Belgian strung rosary. I believe the beads on this one and the cross are celluloid or similar early man-made material. I just love the little bow that has been tied there for decades. Currently, this is the featured rosary on The Sacred Bead.
