RARE RETIRED James Avery Sterling Silver Archangel Saint Michael Pendant Charm

This rare retired James Avery sterling silver pendant depicts the Archangel Saint Michael as a fully sculpted three-dimensional figure, armored and winged, sword lowered in one hand with the vanquished serpent beneath his feet. The casting is unusually ambitious for a piece of this scale: the wings are feathered front and back, the armor is detailed across the chest, and the legs are fully modeled and separated so the figure reads in the round rather than as a flat silhouette. Deep oxidation settles into the recesses and throws the raised surfaces forward, giving the small figure real drama and weight. The back is finished as carefully as the front, with the hallmarks struck cleanly into the cape. It hangs from a ring at the crown so the figure sits upright and forward-facing when worn. Included with the original James Avery box and pouch, which collectors of retired designs particularly look for. A powerful and genuinely uncommon piece of James Avery design, and one that rarely surfaces.

Details:
Designer: James Avery
Metal: Sterling Silver
Hallmarks: STER, copyright symbol, JA Candelabra
Motif: Archangel Saint Michael
Status: Retired
Includes: Original James Avery box and pouch
Condition: Excellent estate condition

Fun Facts:
The name Michael comes from the Hebrew phrase meaning "Who is like God?", and in the Book of Revelation he leads the heavenly host against the dragon, which is why he is nearly always shown armed and standing over a defeated serpent.
Saint Michael is the patron of soldiers, police officers, paramedics, and firefighters, and his medals and pendants have long been carried by those in dangerous professions.