Hi all, I'm new here.
I just received a family heirloom that I would love to know more about and see if it can be restored at all.
Here is the history that I know of this item:
My grandmother's family was Polish and Ukranian Catholic (My grandmother was born around 1915), and this item is supposed to be handed down to the oldest daughter in the family. I don't believe they lived in Poland, as the family ended up as refugees in China after the Communist revolution, and so likely lived either in Russia or another Soviet-bloc state. I had originally hoped that this was an Orthodox icon, but I think it looks more like a Catholic Madonna from what I've seen on the internet.
There is an inscription on the back which I have included a pic. I had a Polish friend take a look at it, as my mom thinks it was written in Polish, but it is in Russian and reads as follows: "Restored by Hadzhi Met. 1955" and has a location in Switzerland. The same thing appears to be written in Italian as well.
Anyhow, I would love any input about this item, or referrals to someone that may know more about this kind of item.
Pics are attachments to this post. I can get closer/more pictures if anyone wants.
Thank you!
Sumi