Pontifical Cap Of Pope Leo XIII - Conclave Of 1878 - Cardinal Provenance

A rare and moving piece of Catholic Church history, this pontifical skullcap belonged to Pope Leo XIII (Cardinal Gioacchino Pecci) at the conclave of February 20, 1878, during which he was elected sovereign pontiff.

The piece is accompanied by a period document dated December 20, 1905, sewn directly onto the skullcap. This document certifies that this skullcap was indeed worn by Cardinal Pecci during the conclave. It also specifies its transmission: offered to Cardinal Victor Auguste Dechamps (1810-1883), then Archbishop of Malines (Belgium) and present at the conclave, it was then passed on to his successor, Cardinal Pierre Lambert Goossens (1827-1906).

The document is authenticated by two red wax seals bearing the coat of arms of Cardinal Goossens, guaranteeing its authenticity and provenance.

This skullcap has a remarkable peculiarity: unlike the official models usually made of silk, it is made of woolen fabric, probably to offer greater comfort against the winter cold of the conclave. The interior is lined with red silk, now with a patina of age.

The set is in very good condition, with the exception of a few tiny holes due to age.

Extremely rare item, as much for its historical use as for its documented provenance and material singularity.

Price without shipping costs

Police Register Ref: A050

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