Napoleon III Era Large Reliquary Box with Italian Sacred Heart

An extraordinary and large reliquary box, it holds an Italian silver sacred heart (attached to a fragment of an old chasuble) inside. It originates from a fine Parisian estate collection and dates towards 1870).

The form is of cast bronze which has been heavily gilded. The 1 1/2" wide border has a lace work quality, with delicate scrolls, circles, flowers and arabesques. The glass stones are very large (rarely seen on this type of box which ordinarily is plainly adorned). There are eight large oval faceted glass stones which are bezel set (sapphire, emerald and ruby glass). The stylized flowers (which give a scalloped appearance to the edge) are embellished with round emerald, sapphire and ruby glass stones. The reliquary box has a gilded bronze 1/4" ormolu mount with repeating raised ovals. Thick glass is mounted underneath the mount. The box formed at the back is 1/2" thick. The model number is stamped at the back center (80).

The box opens from the back. The antique milagro Italian ex voto is of silver and is delicately hand cut. There is are thin silk threads around the neck of the flame. The chasuble remnant is of creme silk with exquisite gilt metallic stumpwork. The large flower has gilt paillettes at the center. The outer frame is especially beautiful when seen from the back. The glass stones are faceted on the back as well which gives them a magnificent brilliance.

We show photos of the reliquary taken apart. This type of religious adornment was made with the ability to change or add to the large box made by the enclosure.

It measure:7 1/2 x 7 1/4". The reliquary box is 3 1/2" in diameter. The large glass stones are 1/2" long. It is in very good antique condition with a brilliant patina. The stones are all present, there are no chips or cracks to the glass.