Antique Priest's Teaching Crucifix

Although it's not made of gold or even brass, just metal, it is extremely detailed and ornate. It's on a round wooden stand that used to apparently be painted entirely black. The base was meant to house a glass dome that once covered this crucifix. I do not have a dome, it was probably broken long ago by a former owner. Since this dates to the 1890's, lack of fragile glass is to be expected. I am sure that it was used in a church to teach the Passion of Christ because that is exactly what all of the items are about. You will very rarely find any crucifix with all of this. Beneath the cross is what looks like stone, clearly meant to portray Golgotha where He was crucified. Golgotha literally means Skull Hill. Atop the crossbar of the cross you can see a pitcher and chalice which represent the vinegar that Christ was given to drink. Hanging from the cross bar on one side is a lantern and on the other side there is a flogger. Over Christ's head it reads I.N.R.I. Near the base of the cross you can see holy crossed swords and a skull and crossbones. They represent the bones of the first Adam through whom death came into the world. The skull and crossbones are symbols of death; showing them under Jesus' feet is a symbol of Christ conquering Death by His death. On the right there are the dice used to gamble for who would get Christ's clothing, which hang below the dice. On the left is a rooster, which represents the cock that crowed at dawn. On the bottom it has 3 round feet. The front of the wooden base has "Christ Crucified Have Mercy On Us" on a small plaque which shows wear. The base was once painted black, now worn to wood in some places. Right now the metal cross is only attached to the wood base with one small nail. It will need another to be firmly affixed to the wooden base. On the back of the metal base are several small holes, where at one time a ladder and a spear were attached. It stands 10" tall, the crucifix is 3 1/2" wide and the base is 5 1/2" wide. Definitely something for the collector of religious icons who wants something not too many others have.