Is this a medieval crosier?

[java75455]

 I inherited this cross that looks like it fits onto a staff and know very little about it. I found a note that mentioned medieval time period. I can't find any pictures of anything like it online. Any info would be appreciated.

[rale1562]

hello - wow!   this is so very beautiful!

i would suggest sending clear photos of it to various  auction houses   - see if they can offer more precise ideas -    it seems to me that it could be of Christian Orthodox  church origin:   Russian/ Greek/Coptic?

?

happy searching anyway!    if you are selling it on EBay do let me know and i'll bid!   i collect Christian crosses and icons               - yours   Reba

[java75455]

I had planned to sell it on e-bay but I have no idea how much it is worth. Do you know the name of any auction houses that could give me reliable information?

[rale1562]

does EBay have experts for items?   i don't know about selling on eBay as I have never sold items on EBay myself - i just do all my shopping on EBay!

look at eBay first - there may be an appraisal department for "devotional items"

[rale1562]

there is an eBay section "sellers information"   try that for advice?

[rogersrr]

I have had good luck with Christies for knowledgeable expertise.  Just be sure to get it to the right dept.

[rale1562]

that's a great idea!     there's also Bonham's      Sotheby's       Phillips              just look for Auction Houses online - you can send photos of the item to them on a form online -   all the best!

[java75455]

I already tried Bonham's. They were not interested in selling or helping to identify. I just tried Christies. I will let ya'll know how that works out. Also I probably need to call The Sadigh Gallery in New York. I do recall that Dad used to by things from them and so they might be where he got them.

[java75455]

No help from Christies. They just basically said they were not interested. I am not sure why unless they just don't deal in that kind of thing. Next try is the sadigh gallery. 

[rogersrr]

I think I have found something close to what you have. If you google image search " Ethiopian Coptic cross staff topper" you will see what I mean.

[rale1562]

i reckon you're absolutely right!  well done

[rale1562]

hi again - and so, two of agree so far that it is coptic-looking

plenty to see online with rogersrr  suggested search - with guideline prices when sold at auction

very difficult though to ascertain what it's likely worth at auction could be - it is a very specialist item

- very beautiful though! i must say again

will keep researching for suggestions  for selling but it is an unusual item to see in the UK

meanwhile do keep it safely and enjoy it's beauty!                yours    Reba

[java75455]

Ethiopian Coptic cross staff topper photos do look alot like what I have, however none of the pictures I looked at portray people on the toppers and so that makes me wonder.  I have not found a better explaination of what these are though so unless Mr. Sadigh says otherwise I am going with Ethiopian Coptic cross staff toppers like you said. 

[java75455]

Mr.  Sadigh  from the Sadigh Gallery confirmed that these are Ethiopian crosses. You were exactly right. Thanks for your help everyone. I will be putting these up on ebay shortly. 

[java75455 · Accepted solution]

Now that I have the needed information on these I have started listing these on ebay.  Item #: 114821678236 is the first one. Thanks for your help!!