Russian devotional crucifix acquired during the Crimean War, 1854-1856

Trophies such as this were often taken from the bodies of Russian soldiers as souvenirs. This one belonged to Lieutenant-Colonel Edmund Jeffreys, 88th Regiment of Foot (Connaught Rangers).

On the top of the cross is an image of the Mandilion, the icon created by Christ impressing his features on a cloth, that was sent to heal King Agbar of Edessa of leprosy. Below, two angels hover above a depiction of the crucifixion of Christ. Along the upper and lower edges, an almost illegible inscription refers to a hymn sung on the feast of the Holy Cross (14 September) 'Thy cross we venerate O Master, and we glorify thy Holy Resurrection.' At the foot is the cave with the skull of Adam and traces of letters, now very worn, forming the words 'Place of the skull' and 'Was crucified'. The reverse of the icon is decorated with a floral pattern and bears a suspension loop.