19th Century Pastoral Staff

It bears the coat of arms of the town of Marchena (Seville). This crozier wasintended for the abbot of a religious community in that same town. It restson a wooden base that has been attached separately.
Most likely made of silver-plated metal (or silver but without a hallmark), thisparticularly elegant volute-style crozier is adorned with an elaborate openwork design ofscrollwork and spirals, surmounted by a fleur-de-lis-shaped finial.
In thecenter of the volute is a large heraldic medallion bearing the coat of arms of Marchena,with the motto COLONIA MARTIA ROMANORUM. The coat of arms features the three arrowsassociated with Saint Sebastian, patron saint of the city, as well as theheraldic elements linked to the Ponce de León family.
The lower section features remarkable architectural decoration,composed of niches, pediments, volutes, and plant motifs, attesting toparticularly meticulous craftsmanship.
The ensemble is rendered in theSpanish rocaille style, with gilding that is still largely preserved. The knot is embellishedwith semiprecious stones, and the coat of arms surmounts a black stone, likelyonyx, as it symbolizes moral strength, steadfastness in faith, and thepastor’s perseverance in the face of the trials of his office.
Dimensions, excluding the base: 59 cm.
Good condition—normal wear and tear