08/05/2024
It's been a while; so we thought we'd revive our Consignment Highlights for you!
Pictured below is an antique home scale altar that stands 33 inches tall, with a base measuring in at 22 inches wide and 14 inches deep. Every part of this altar was made entirely by hand, including the stunning framed centerpiece, and most of the furniture!
At the heart of the altar where, traditionally, the tabernacle sits - is a rotating alcove which can be opened and closed by the spinning the door. The base (which follows the proper standard of placing the altar on the top of 3 steps) is upholstered in a red velvety lining, with pins along the edges keeping the fabric in place.
There are 12 Wooden candlesticks (6 tall, and 6 short), 2 large wooden 3-lite candelabra, 2 small metal candelabra, 1 metal paschal candle stand, 2 small metal candlesticks with faux rose adornments, 3 gold painted glass bottles (likely to represent ambry bottles), 2 clear glass bottles (likely to represent cruets or holy water bottles), a gold painted metal monstrance, 2 dome shaped finial crosses, 11 small flower pots, 2 porcelain Sacred Heart figures, 2 porcelain Immaculate Heart figures, 2 porcelain St. Joseph figures, and 2 porcelain adorning angels with gold painted wings (one damaged).
The history of scale home altars such as this one is a bit fuzzy. Outside of the standard reasoning for scale models used in architecture - scale model altars have been used to educate children about the significance of the traditions of the mass, as well as stories of these altars having been used for home devotion, especially during times of religious persecution.
While there are "vintage" toy altars for children that date between the 1950s to 1980s, these antique altars were used often for home devotion, the popularity being traced to the early 1900s and earlier.
Though we can't say for sure the exact date this ornate piece was built, the foundational condition of the wood, velvet, and centerpiece lead us to believe it is nearly 100 years old.
The sale price is is set at $2,000.00 USD
Contact us by emailing [email protected] or by calling us at +1 (414) 744 3610 (or toll free at +1 (800) 686 3610)