Erhard & Söhne – Large Gothic Revival Gilt Brass Casket / Reliquary Box – Germany, ca. 1880 An exceptional and highly collectible late 19th-century Gothic Revival (Neo-Gothic) decorative casket, masterfully crafted by the renowned German manufacture **Erhard & Söhne** (Schwäbisch Gmünd, Germany). Designed in the architectural form of a medieval church reliquary, this heavy brass piece showcases outstanding quality and historical charm. The exterior features an intricate pitched roof decorated with a geometric diamond lattice pattern encasing the German Imperial Heraldic Eagle (*Reichsadler*), flanked by two finely detailed openwork finial crosses. The body is surrounded by a continuous architectural frieze of Gothic arches housing detailed miniature bas-reliefs: - **Front Panel:** Secular scenes illustrating medieval pilgrimage life, a campfire gathering, and weary travelers resting. - **Back Panel:** Highly detailed biblical narratives depicting the Banishing of Hagar and Ishmael alongside Christ healing the lame. - **Side Panels:** Full-length figures of a saint/evangelist and a medieval crusader guardian next to heavy, fully functional hinged carry handles. - **Feet:** The casket stands on four distinct snail-shell-shaped feet, a traditional medieval symbol referencing pilgrimage and sanctuary. The interior opens via a solid full-length piano hinge to reveal its original, beautifully preserved deep burgundy/crimson tufted velvet lining (*capitoné* technique) in remarkably clean condition. The bottom of the box bears the authentic stamped oval maker's mark of **Erhard & Söhne**, showing the initials "E S" flanking a central amphora and smithing hammer. - **Manufacturer:** Erhard & Söhne (Schwäbisch Gmünd, Germany) - **Period:** Late 19th Century (ca. 1870–1890) - **Material:** Gilt Brass / Cast Bronze, original interior velvet - **Height:** 25 cm - **Length:** 22.5 cm - **Width:** 14 cm - **Weight:** Heavy, solid metal casting - **Maker's Mark:** Authentic stamped oval logo on the outer base Condition Report - **Overall:** In good antique condition with gorgeous authentic wear, deep details, and no structural cracks. - **Metalwork:** Retains a beautiful warm aged golden patina. Visible genuine verdigris (copper oxidation) residue is present in the deeper crevices of the side panels, confirming its untouched antique age. - **Interior:** The original velvet lining is exceptionally well-preserved for its age, vibrant in color, and structurally intact. - **Lock/Key Note:** The original built-in lock mechanism is present and unlocked. **Please note that the original key is missing.** The casket opens, closes, and displays perfectly. The product will be professionally packed and sent safely to your address by local post. The pictures of the product are made with the highest possible resolution, precisely to capture possible small defects (small scratches, stains, defect), the pictures are part of the product description.