This artifact is a Roman Catholic Medal from anywhere between 1829-1860. It is 1.5 cm in diameter or about the size of your fingernail. The medal is made of corroded brass and has it’s loop missing at the top. On one side there appears to be the Virgin Mary with the inscription “Qui avons recours à vousor” or who have recourse to thee. The opposite side has a cross over a capital M. Below are two hearts and along the border, there are 10 stars. This would have been used for warding off evil, making prayers, and may have been worn by someone at the fort who was Roman Catholic. Most Roman Catholic Medals were also used for honoring saints and patrons and were a symbol of their faith and devotion. Finally, they were also used for the baptizing of a person. This particular medal was probably made at the fort. If not, it would have been a family heirloom from Europe. For more detail see our FVvr Museum
Comments