A small silver-mounted rock crystal altar cross, mid-17th century Rock crystal cross with cast, embossed, engraved, chased and gilded silver mountings A finely carved clear rock crystal altar cross with trefoil terminals mounted with a silver and gilt Corpus Christi crucified with three nails, a delicate INRI plaque with scrolling ends turned inwards and collars accentuating the beams of the cross. The rock crystal top of the plinth mounted with a tiny skull and cross bones, the rounded plinth decorated with winged angel's heads and scrolling tendrils. Stylistically, this altar cross can be dated to the middle of the 17th century, with the most likely place of origin being Austria. However, the indistinctly stamped assay and maker's marks on the basal ring of the plinth have not yet been identified. 30.5 x 13.5 x 10 cm Probably Austria mid-17th century Acquired from a Belgian private collection.