This is a rare genuine, military issued World War 1 ball chain rosary- sometimes referred to as a trench rosary. This rosary was issued to Catholic soldiers during World War 1 and has the original rosary connector and crucifix. It is an almost 100 year old rosary that has been through World War 1 and is in wonderful condition otherwise. This rosary measures just a tad over 16 inches long when measured flat. The rosary connector is the standard issue of Our Mother of Sorrows with Christ carrying his own cross as a reminder to soldiers that Jesus carried his burden as did the soldier's who were willing to sacrifice their lives. This rosary has portions of very dark- with lighter brass colors coming through- personally I would not clean it as I wonder if the dark areas are the original blackened coating to not give away light (on silver metal) in a trench.