This is an excellent antique Victorian altar shadow box with cream colored satin or silk lining, gold foil background, small gold wooden urns with silk and plastic flowers inside, and Virgin Mary statue in the center. Over the front, the original wavy glass is intact.

There is a card inside along the bottom edge with the Petition to the Blessed Virgin prayer printed on it, and the original label is still intact on the back panel. On the label, this piece is described as a Home and Family Altar with an explanation of the significance of the Virgin Mary statue and the importance of the altar in Catholic households. The label on the back was published by Boston Manufacturing Co. with a copyright in 1890. The label shows significant wear, many of the words are worn away, and there are strips of masking tape all the way around the outer edge of the back panel, so I don't know how securely it is fastened in place (it does feel secure when I try to move it). It was found with a piece of string as a hanger, and the hanger should be upgraded to a wire before hanging.

Everything inside the shadow box looks fantastic. There is some dusty residue inside, but nothing is broken, loose, cracked, or torn. The fabric lining looks slightly darkened from age and might have some stains. The frame is excellent with only a few tiny chips in the gesso, and the finish looks very good with an aged patina.

Outer dimensions of the frame are 13 7/8" across the front (side to side) x 16 7/8" from top to bottom x 3" deep. It will be packed securely, double boxed, and fully insured during shipping.