Any idea what this is and the origin ?

[SILBERMAN]

Hi ive had this for while and unfortunatly put it in silver dip ( How silly ).

It has twelve rings ,two balls, the chain is approx 24 inches long,
The marks a quite hard to see , it's deffinately not English.

Have thoughts it's possibly religious.
http://www.drivehq.com/file/df.aspx/pub ... der/a1.JPG
http://www.drivehq.com/file/df.aspx/pub ... der/a2.JPG

(admin photo edit - images too large - insert as link only - see Posting Requirements)
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[admin]

Its country of origin would provide a clue, please give us a description of the marks.

World Hallmarks
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[Hose_dk]

I think they come from a church. Containing these burning (dont know english name) smelling things used at mass in the katholic church. the alterboys carry them and ...

Is that not what it is?
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[jcm]

It is a thurible or censer and yes it is from the catholic church and burns incense. as the previous poster said..... Little history.......AS for the origin of your peice I am not sure. Maybe if the marks were clearer.

in accordance with prophecy of Malachias, the fragrant smoke symbolizing our prayers rising to Heaven and purifying what it touches. The incense is kept in a covered, often boat-shaped liturgical vessel called, unsurprisingly, a "boat," which symbolizes the barque of Peter. The boat, made of bronze or brass and often silver or gold-plated, comes with a spoon for scattering the incense in the bowl-shaped matching burner, called a "thurible" or "censer." The thurible holds burning charcoal (or wood) to ignite the incense and hangs on chains (see angel picture below) so that it may be swung by the priest when censing things (or people) and so it may be easily carried by the thurifer -- the "Altar server" who assists the priest by carrying the incense.
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