The 123-year-old Tiger Oak frame is completely original to the certificate, preserving its maximum historical and collectible value. Intact Montana Mining History: It features verified, stamped provenance from the turn-of-the-century Butte/Walkerville copper boom, making it a highly sought-after regional artifact. Exquisite Period Craftsmanship: The stunning, original quarter-sawn oak molding and stamped brass corner pieces represent a level of woodworking detail rarely seen today. Vibrant Catholic Sacred Art: The rich, colorful French chromolithography by Bouasse-Lebel serves as a gorgeous focal point for any home altar, gallery wall, or religious art collection. A Unique, One-of-a-Kind Gift: Perfect for genealogy enthusiasts, historians, or anyone looking to add authentic, soulful character and genuine story to their interior decor. Step back in time with this stunning, museum-quality piece of turn-of-the-century American and religious history. This is an authentic 1903 Catholic First Holy Communion and Confirmation certificate, beautifully preserved in its original Edwardian frame. Personalized in elegant calligraphy for a young man named James Remington, this piece was officially signed and dated on June 25, 1903, at the historic St. Lawrence Church in Walkerville, Montana. Detailed Description & Materials What it Was Made For: Framed chromolithograph certificates like this were custom-ordered family heirlooms meant to visually celebrate, record, and preserve a child’s holy sacraments for generations to come. The Lithograph: The core artwork is a highly detailed, vibrant chromolithograph originally designed by the world-renowned Maison Bouasse-Lebel publishing house in Paris, France. Titled “Précieux Souvenir si vous êtes fidèle” (“Precious Remembrance if you are faithful”), the intricate multi-panel scene features a bishop administering sacraments inside a grand cathedral, flanked by beautiful vignettes of the Virgin Mary, saints, and angels. The Materials: The certificate is printed on heavy, textured period paper surrounded by a matching original tan paper mat board. The Original Frame & Age: The document is housed in its original, 123-year-old, 1-inch deep quarter-sawn “Tiger Oak” wood frame featuring a distinctive, fiery grain pattern. The corners are adorned with the frame’s original, authentic stamped brass filigree appliques in a classic Victorian/Edwardian rococo scroll and fan motif. Local History & Provenance What makes this piece truly remarkable is its verified history. The back retains its original, fully intact merchant stamp from The Useful Novelty Co. Located at 321 E. Operating at the absolute peak of Butte’s historic copper boom, this shop specialized in custom framing and enlarging portraits. Because Walkerville was a bustling mining suburb directly bordering Butte, this piece is an extraordinary artifact from the lives of the early mining families who built the region and immediately had their sacred documents framed locally. Dimensions & Specifications Height: 19 inches Width: 13 inches Depth: 1 inch Weight: 3.5 lbs (unpacked) Condition Report This item is in Good/Very Good Antique Condition, proudly wearing the authentic patina of its 123-year lifespan: The Document: The chromolithograph retains incredibly bright, vivid colors. There is a visible diagonal age crease/crackle running across the right paper column (near the Virgin Mary figure) and some natural paper dimpling/texture from decades of humidity changes, which is standard for paper of this age. The Frame: The original Tiger Oak wood is sturdy and structurally sound. The original shellac finish shows beautiful “crazing” (microscopic surface lines), with minor scuffs and finish loss on the outermost mitered corners. The original brass corners have a lovely, natural dark patina. The Backing: The original corrugated backing board and hanging wire are intact. The historical merchant stamp from Butte is completely legible and untouched.
