RAWtools bling at its swankiest. Made from the brass inner magazine tube assembly of a semi automatic .22 caliber rifle, this pendant is polished to shine. This cross is lighter, smaller, and more delicate than our Pistol Barrel Split Cross. The long leg is often stamped with an olive branch, the RAWtools South “maker's mark,” and put on a cord. 

The underlying blacksmith technique to make this  “split cross” (AKA Friedrichs cross”) has been around for centuries; some folks think this design has been forged for over 600 years.  Since these are made from tubing instead of solid stock, like the originals, they are curvier and invoke floral thoughts, which is also in keeping with another traditional cross making variation known as “Living Crosses”.  

Making these and other crosses with curving arms always reminds me of Jesus’s line in Matthew 23:37: “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!”