Pocket reliquary - Holy Cross of Jesus Christ and four Evangelist Apostles - Brass, Textile, Glass, Paper - 1800-1850

Elegant and rare circular reliquary (snap case) made of brass, dating from the 19th century. The object resembles an antique pocket watch in shape, designed to be carried or hung for domestic devotion.
The heart of the reliquary features a decoration in red fabric, set with various relics (fabric fragments), arranged symmetrically around the true cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ. The handwritten inscriptions on perimeter cartouches identify the saints:

Saint John the Apostle and Evangelist

San Marco Evangelista

Saint Matthew the Apostle and Evangelist

Saint Luke, Evangelist

The composition is adorned with golden and silver metallic filaments that frame the sacred fragments.

The object is characterized by an exceptional integrity of the authentication systems.

Opening: The main container is made of brass with a snap opening and an original suspension ring.
Seal: On the back of the inner case, made of copper, there is an intact red wax seal, secured by silky red threads intertwined over the metal tabs that lock the glass.
External authenticity: A second wax seal is present on the back of the external brass case, confirming the official closure and the lack of tampering over time.

Shipping with careful packaging and insurance.
IMPORTANT: Please pay attention when extracting the container holding the relics to avoid breaking the glass or damaging the wires. I recommend using a small screwdriver to gently pry the case at the opening point near the ring.


Cloth relics, no human remains.
Object proposed for its historical and cultural value.

There is no text provided for translation.
Elegant and rare circular reliquary (locket style) made of brass, 19th century. The object’s form resembles an antique pocket watch, designed to be carried personally or hung for private domestic devotion.

The heart of the reliquary features a red fabric background onto which several relics (fabric fragments) are mounted, symmetrically arranged around a central True Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Handwritten inscriptions on perimeter scrolls (cedulae) identify the saints:

St. John the Apostle and Evangelist

St. Mark the Evangelist

St. Matthew the Apostle and Evangelist

St. Luke the Evangelist

The composition is further embellished with gold and silver metallic filaments (paperoles) that frame the sacred fragments.

The object is characterized by the exceptional integrity of its authentication systems.

Opening mechanism: The main brass container features a spring-latch opening and the original suspension ring.

Internal Seals: The back of the internal copper case features an intact red wax seal, secured by red silk threads that weave through the metallic tabs holding the glass in place.
External authenticity: A second wax seal is present on the back of the outer brass case, confirming the official closure and ensuring it has not been tampered with over time.

IMPORTANT: Please exercise extreme caution when removing the internal reliquary case to avoid breaking the glass or snapping the silk threads. It is recommended to use a small precision screwdriver to gently pry open the case at the point near the suspension ring.

Shipping: Carefully packed and fully insured.



Fabric relics, no human remains
The object is offered for its historical and cultural value.