Antique French Holy Water Font (Bénitier), Early 20th Century

Antique French Holy Water Font (Bénitier), Early 20th Century
Hand-selected in France by Libby. 

A bénitier hung by the door of a French home, or beside a bed, so that a hand could reach for it on the way out into the day and again on the way back. This one is pale green onyx, cut in a stepped pentagon, quiet as a held breath. Libby found it on one of her buying trips, chose it herself, and carried it home.

An oval medallion in silvered metal holds the Madonna and Child, their halos still gilt. Below it, the original clear pressed glass cup sits in a brass spring mount finished with small floral terminals. The brass back plate carries its ring hanger, ready for the next wall.

Condition, told plainly. Age-appropriate wear throughout. The medallion has tarnished and darkened, though some of the gilding remains. The onyx shows light surface wear and a few small nicks along the edges, and the brass has settled into its patina. The glass cup is intact.

A note on provenance. French, early 20th century, dated by style. No maker's mark has been confirmed. This piece pairs with the white onyx font, listed separately, though each stands beautifully on its own. Dimensions and weight to be confirmed.

One thing worth checking before this goes live: your original copy mentions both an onyx backplate and a brass back plate. I've written it as the brass sitting behind the onyx, but if that's not right, tell me and I'll fix the line.