Last Rites Crucifix Value Guide

The 1940-1960 American Last Rites Crucifix is a significant Catholic Sick Call set used for administering sacraments like the Viaticum and Anointing of the Sick. These kits are highly collectible due to their dual purpose as both a wall-mounted devotional object and a hidden storage vessel for liturgical essentials.

What affects the value of Last Rites Crucifix?

• Completeness of the set, including the original candles, holy water bottle, and linen cloths, significantly increases market price.
• The physical condition of the wood finish and the lack of corrosion on the metal corpus affect the $75-$125 valuation.
• Provenance or original box packaging from the mid-20th century can push the value toward the higher end of the spectrum.
• The presence of intact, unburned blessed candles adds a premium for collectors seeking liturgical purity.

How to Identify Last Rites Crucifix?

• Look for a sliding or hinged wooden cross body that opens to reveal a hollow interior compartment.
• Verify the presence of original internal components, typically including two small beeswax candles and a holy water font.
• Check for mid-century manufacturing marks or 'Made in U.S.A.' stamps on the reverse of the wood or metal corpus.
• Examine the materials for a combination of finished hardwood and cast metal figures of Christ characteristic of the 1940-1960 era.

History of Last Rites Crucifix

Last Rites kits, also known as Sick Call sets, became common in Catholic homes, particularly from the 19th century onwards. These sets were designed for use by a priest when called to administer the sacraments of Penance, Anointing of the Sick, and Viaticum to a dying person. The crucifix serves as a central devotional object, often accompanied by blessed candles and a holy water font. Having such a kit readily available in the home ensured that the spiritual needs of the sick and dying could be met promptly, a tradition that reflects deep religious devotion and preparedness for death.