Crosses appeared on the frontier in serveral forms. The crucifix, the cross of Lorraine, and just the simple cross were but a few of the emblems that missionaries dispensed as "symbols of the Faith." As with the rings, the cross did not remain the strictly Catholic symbols of conversion, but drifted quickly into the secular trade.
The material for these crosses was usually German silver, and they were commonly cut out and engraved by a dedicated craftsman. The craftsmanship was attested to by the proof marks on the better pieces.
Bruce
Nail
January 2002
Click on a cross to see it close up.
