Calvary Cross Crest

[scorpio]

I hope someone can help me identify the family to which this crest belongs.

At the front under the spout of this small cream boat, made in Cork, circa 1765-70, is a repoussé scrolled cartouche with an unusual crest. This is the Calvary Cross on three steps, which, in descending order, represent Faith, based upon Hope, based upon Love. The cross here has vertical lines running down the arms and stipe as seen in the photograph below. This crest puzzles me as the Calvary Cross, while usually found in Coats of Arms, seems rare as a crest and I cannot trace this Calvary Cross with vertical lines to any Irish family or indeed any family. Could it be that this cream boat was made for a religious order as the Cross Calvary is a Christian cross but then why would it feature a serpent!

Any help greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[nobilityhouse]

If we change the grammar used for the search, we can be more in line with the language of heraldry. Therefore, this crest becomes “a cross Calvary gules” and found in Fairbairn’s for ABERCROMBY. Yes, with that spelling. I will let the historians separate the Scottish lines from the Irish. Happy Holidays. Owen of Nobility House.

[scorpio]

Thanks so much and I can now pursue this line of inquiry. The Abercromby family was indeed well known in Co. Cork.
Wishing you a Happy Christmas too!