Bidspirit auction | 1897 Homan Silver Plate Co.

1897 Homan Silver Plate Co. Antique Catholic Sick-Call Last Rites Box - An antique Catholic sick-call outfit, or last rites set, manufactured by the Homan Silver Plate Company of Cincinnati, Ohio. The set is contained within a tiered wooden cabinet featuring brass cross appliques on the exterior doors. The primary liturgical component is a quadruple silver-plated combination crucifix and two-light candelabrum. This collection includes a silver-plated paten, a small liturgical spoon with a gilded interior, a holy water sprinkler with a silver-plated handle, a rosary with pearl-like beads, and an assortment of white linens with embroidered ecclesiastical motifs. Two glass bottles are present: one embossed with instructions for holy water and one featuring a paper label for blessed water from the Shrine of the North American Martyrs. A printed instructional manual titled The Official and Rubrical Sacramental Service is also included. The paten is marked on the underside with a circular stamp for Homan Silver Plate Co. Quadruple Plate, an anchor symbol, and text reading Sick-Call Outfit, Pat'd April '97, and Special Metal. Measurements: Case approximately 11.5 inches in height and 15.25 inches in width when open. The set shows moderate to heavy age-related wear. The wooden case has visible scratches, finish degradation, and areas of wood loss. The silver-plated items, specifically the combination crucifix and the paten, exhibit significant oxidation, pitting, and plating loss. The included beeswax candles are partially used and show surface deformation. The glass bottles are intact but contain interior residue and dust. The paper manual and other ephemera are yellowed with creases and minor tears. The linens show some staining and edge fraying consistent with age and use.