St Columba's Bay, Iona



  

Very unusual sterling silver cross by Alexander Ritchie, hallmarked for Glasgow 1927, and with additional AR IONA marks in the centre of the wheel of the cross. This is the only example I have seen of this design, which I think Ritchie adapted from an ancient Irish cross (possibly Co. Roscommon?) rather than a Scottish one. Height 3.5". A beautiful piece.



Silver Iona cross by Alexander Ritchie, taken from a medieval stone carving that was originally in the Nunnery Gardens. Sometimes known as the 'Nunnery Cross'. This particular one is hallmarked for Glasgow 1920. Beautifully pleasing proportions. Height approx 5cms.



Delightful and rare small silver cross pendant by Alexander Ritchie - the chevron-pattern ends to the arms of the cross are more akin to early Irish carvings than Scottish. Hallmarks on the reverse are for Glasgow 1913, with individual marks of AR IONA, next to the legendary AR 'hour-glass' mark.



Most unusual, possibly a commissioned 'one-off' silver cruciform brooch bearing the words 'Church of Scotland - Sister Church'. The central cross design is the Nunnery Cross, from Iona. The reverse has Ritchie's marks of AR IONA and Glasgow hallmark for 1930.



Silver knotwork cross by Alexander Ritchie, the design is taken from a medieval stone carving originally in Iona Nunnery grounds. Marked on reverse AR IONA and ICA with Birmingham hallmark for 1938. Height 3". Width just over 1.5".



Here is a 2.5" long silver St Martin's Cross pendant. The marks at the base are clearly AR IONA, and Stg. Sil. This is the only piece I have ever seen with this marking, as Ritchie's pieces either had just AR IONA, or the latter accompanied by a full silver hallmark (and ICA in later years.)



Small silver pendant or bracelet charm by Alexander Ritchie, the design is from St Columba's Pillow stone, which can still be seen in the Museum on Iona. Reverse has recessed marks of AR and IONA. No hallmark. 1920s period. Height 1.25".




MORE ->
<- BACK

Home  ~   History  ~   Iona  ~   Hallmarks  ~   Brooches  ~   Crosses
Pendants  ~   Kilt and Hat Pins  ~   Enamelled Silverware  ~   Rings/Napkin Rings
Spoons and Forks  ~   Brassware  ~   Copperware  ~   Carved Wooden Items
Copperware  ~   Other Items  ~   Contemporary Silversmiths
Later Iona Silverwork  ~   Ancient Stone Carvings of Iona
Early Iona Pictures  ~  About Iona Marble  ~   "Iona Celtic Art"  ~   Celtic Links


© 2004 by David James