Silver Reliquary Of The True Cross – Authentic Episcopal Reliquary From 1840 – Under A Glass Dome

Silver Reliquary of the True Cross – Authentic Episcopal Piece from 1840 – France or Belgium, 19th century – Date: 1840

Magnificent reliquary of the True Cross (De Ligno SS. Crucis), set in a hallmarked silver mount in the Rocaille style, surmounted by a large, radiant halo of gilded metal.

Description

In the center, a circular, glass-covered, and sealed case holds two fragments of wood arranged in the shape of a cross, set against a background of gilded fabric, accompanied by their handwritten identification: de LIgno SS. Crucis

The base, richly decorated with volutes and foliage in the Baroque style, features a small gilded bust in the center, identified as that of Pope Gregory XVI (1831–1846).

The ensemble rests on a red and black marble pedestal, displayed under an antique glass dome, on a black base adorned with a decorative cord.

An authentic original episcopal certificate dated November 2, 1840, issued in Ghent under the authority of Monsignor Louis-Joseph Delebecque (1798–1864), Bishop of Ghent.

This document, written in Latin, attests to the recognition of the relic of the Holy Cross, its placement in a reliquary, and its authorization for display for the veneration of the faithful.

A beautiful 19th-century devotional set, preserved with its authentic episcopal certificate and displayed in a glass globe.

Dimensions:
Case: diameter 4 cm
Radiating reliquary: height 18.5 cm × width 14.3 cm
Glass globe: height 28 cm

Condition:

Beautiful vintage condition, with patina and signs of wear consistent with its age. Document shows signs of age.

In accordance with canon law (can. 1190 §1), this sale pertains solely to the reliquary as an object of sacred art. The relics it contains are not part of the transaction but are included as a courtesy due to their historical and cultural value.

Please feel free to contact me for any additional information or to request more photos of the items offered for sale.