Antique First Communion Crucifix – Cologne, St. Ursula Basilica (Dated 1938)

This deeply personal and historically meaningful crucifix is a First Holy Communion keepsake, dated April 24, 1938, from the Basilica of St. Ursula in Cologne, Germany.

Unlike many devotional objects that require estimated dating, this piece is exactly dated, making it a rare and well-documented example of interwar religious craftsmanship and Catholic tradition.

The crucifix combines a wooden cross with a finely cast metal corpus of Christ, likely in brass or gilt metal, giving it a dignified and luminous appearance. On the reverse, a commemorative plaque records the original occasion:

“Andenken an meine erste hl. Kommunion
Basilika St. Ursula zu Köln
am 24. April 1938”

(“In memory of my first Holy Communion – Cologne, April 24, 1938”)

Details

Object: Wall crucifix with commemorative plaque
Material:

• Cross: wood

• Corpus: metal (likely brass or gilt metal)

• Plaque: enamel-style or early plastic

Type: Personal devotional / First Communion cross

Dating & Origin

Date: April 24, 1938 (exact)
Location: Cologne, Germany – Basilica of St. Ursula

Context:
These crosses were traditionally given to children on the occasion of their First Holy Communion and often kept for a lifetime as a cherished religious keepsake.

Style

• Interwar Catholic design (1930s)

• Classical and balanced proportions

• Refined corpus with more detail than later mass-produced examples

• Gold-toned metal for a dignified, ceremonial appearance

Technique

• Cast and polished metal corpus

• Mounted with small nails

• Industrially produced wooden cross

• Applied commemorative plaque on reverse

Condition

Good vintage condition

Corpus retains a pleasant shine
Commemorative plaque intact and clearly readable
Light signs of age and use
Structurally sound and complete

About House of History:
At House of History, we are passionate about discovering and curating vintage and unique items for history enthusiasts like you. We believe that a tangible piece of history brings the past to life, and that is where our passion lies! Our dedication to this hobby is reflected in our yearly visits to numerous markets, vintage shops, and auctions, both nationally and internationally, in search of that one unique piece. Whether you are looking to expand your collection or add an extra touch of character to your interior, we strive to find the perfect item for you. Our selection of goods is based on careful selection, love, and craftsmanship. Do you have a specific request? Let us know, and we will gladly search for you! Do not hesitate to contact us with any questions, comments, or complaints. We are always here to help.

Pricing and shipping:
At House of History, our prices always include shipping costs. We recommend keeping this in mind when comparing prices. In addition, we always ship with track & trace for your peace of mind. All orders are shipped within 1 to 2 working days. We only use reputable postal companies and provide all shipments with tracking. Items valued over 200.00 are always shipped insured. Our products are professionally and carefully packaged, and we have extensive experience with international shipping.

Notes:
At House of History, we sell vintage products, which means that our goods may show signs of use. We recommend carefully reviewing the accompanying photos and videos before making a purchase. Do you have more questions about a product or would you like to receive additional photos, videos, or descriptions? Do not hesitate to contact us. We are always here to help. At House of History, we prefer to preserve the original condition of our products. Some customers prefer a polished, restored condition, while others prefer a lived-in look (patina). The majority of our offered products are therefore presented unpolished and uncleaned.