Have not read this thread yet, so I'm late weighing in. Will try to catch up when I have time. Please forgive if this post rehashes ideas already suggested.
Re the cross:
It's actual size is much smaller than it appears in the photos, at 1.5 inches long. However, for jewelry, it is by no means
tiny.
To compare, the diameter of a Hershey's kiss is about 0.8 of an inch; the short edge of a credit card measures about 2.2 inches. IMO the right size for a cord necklace or rosary, or perhaps a keychain.
The cross might be too imperfect to have been sold/purchased, but you never know. IMO it looks possibly homemade by someone practicing their woodcarving skills, perhaps self-taught or learned in boy scouts?
Boy Scouts woodcarving:
http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/BoyScouts/AdvancementandAwards/MeritBadges/mb-WOOC.aspx
If it is varnished, the varnish looks to be worn or dull. However IMO it appears it might be coated with polish or wax instead of varnish.
The color of the wood is darker than is typical for these types of carved items. Possibly polished walnut, or a dark wood from South America or Africa.
Example of a handmade polished walnut wood cross (unvarnished):
Unlike the example above, the shape of the evidence cross somewhat resembles a
tau cross. Sometimes associated with pagan or ancient mystery cults, but whoever made it may have simply liked the shape.
Meaning of the Tau cross:
http://www.seiyaku.com/customs/crosses/antau.html
Example of cross with Tau-shaped arms:
http://www.autom.com/images/large/RC302.JPG
Note: A cross of this shape can be associated with the zodiac sign
Taurus.
[ame="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross_of_Tau"]Cross of Tau - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia[/ame]
Re the markings on the cross:
Front and back markings appear to be purposely made.
The
three marks on the front could
possibly represent a Satanic "666", as follows:
The Hebrew symbol for the number 6 is the
vav. In cursive or sans-serif rendering this looks like a simple vertical mark.
Hence, three vertical marks can be "code" for "666."
The Hebrew letter Vav:
http://www.hebrew4christians.com/Grammar/Unit_One/Aleph-Bet/Vav/vav.html
An example: Some believe the three vertical claw marks on cans of Monster energy drinks have a subliminal 666 meaning. The motto "Release the Beast" appears on the can.
http://truthbydefault.com/monster-energy-drink-indoctination/
Though
the zig-zag marking on the reverse side of the cross is not formed as carefully as the three vertical marks, IMO it too appears to be deliberately made.
It could be in the shape of the satanic "S."
Satanic "S" Represents a lightning bolt that means "Destroyer". In mythology, It was the weapon of Zeus. Worn to have power over others. Also was worn by the feared SS of Nazi Germany.
http://www.exposingsatanism.org/signsymbols.htm
Some think this is the hidden meaning of Harry Potter's forehead lightning bolt.
This is not to say that I believe these marks represent satanism. It is hard to discern the significance or meaning of this cross and the marks it bears, much less its connection to this case. The above was an attempt to find some meaning in common between the marks on the front and on the back.
