RARE find I've owned for many years now, this 17" tall processional and alter reliquary in micro mosaic still is paired with the original seal, and an attending (but not matching) document and signatures dated 4, June, 1863. The document comes with it, of course, though we've learned it DOES NOT BELONG TO THIS PARTICULAR RELIQUARY as it was presented to us. In Latin, someone else can read it better than I. Likewise, I'm not an expert in the old seals, but can show it to you (best possible image) and you experts can perhaps email us with more info if you'd be so kind. I'm not Catholic. I just love the old reliquary, the old micro mosaic (micromosaic). One note, the back compartment is relatively simple to open and the strings might look as if the seal is complete, but they've been cut. Perhaps simply to open it up for glass cleaning by someone who didn't realize the seals should remain un-cut. Still, all the relic bits remain and are not disturbed not damaged. You can read the hand-written paper labels to evaluate those. These relics were usually the work of nuns, sometimes friars or priests. Of course we know today they are mostly the bones of whatever was dinner previously, yet the true believers will swear to this day the relics are miraculously transformed into the real . . . . . . whichever. I find them both fascinating and curious. And stunningly beautiful! Museum piece. Might be worth far more than we're going to need to cash out of it, which is all I'm doing at this point.
Very good condition for age and type. As you can see, there is disruption to some of the old micro mosaic. I always intended to have that restored, but time slips by and so few are able to do that task. It is stable as you see it. Hasn't lost a tesserae in the 15 years I've owned it. We'll package it very carefully to be certain that continues to be the case. The relics and the documents are fabulous! The seal undamaged though the strings have been cut. Glass in place and protecting the many relics within. No damage to those or the paper upon which they've been mounted. Just a fabulous old thing! The oval of relics measures approximately 3.25" x 2.75" rounded oval. You will notice this is built with a handle, so was a processional used by the clergy, meant to be carried or shown on alter (flat base is 4.75" wide and 3" deepest, an extended half-circle in form. As noted, the document is not correct for this reliquary/micro mosaic cross. When we bought it, it was represented as original to this but we have learned it is not. Still, a fun pair of items, taken together.
