Can someone explain this to me?

[icedgold10]

I get the front of it but not the back.  It was made in Canada.  Why does it have a compartment on the back?  Is it for matches or hiding money from your teenager?  Any ideas on age?  it has a patent number on it.

[Ipcress]

Patent registered in 1932 and designed by Dewey A Blanchard

 This invention relates to a crucifix having a cavity and a removable cover therefor, wlth the object of providing an appropriate space adapted to receive certain articles used in the rites of the Christian religion, particularly such as are used by the clergy of the Roman Catholic Church in administering the last sacrament.

A further object'of the invention is to provide the back of the crucifix with a detachable plate which may be used as a base to support the crucifix in upright position. This base is also provided with holders for supporting the candles while the sacrament is administered, said holders being preferably arranged in such position that they are concealed within the crucifix, when the plate is secured to the back thereof.

[icedgold10]

Do you mean it's like a death cross?

[Ipcress]

It's supposed to hold a bottle of holy water, a piece of cotton, a napkin etc all used when enacting the last sacrament on the seriously ill.
By using other attachments you can have the cross in an upright position surrounded by candles.

[icedgold10]

Oh, gosh.  Thank you, I think.  Liked my money stash idea better.  lol 

[sugarcube5419]

have one from my mom's house, very catholic for the sacrament of the last rites, a priest would often come to homes.