GERMAN PECTORAL RELIQUARY CROSS – With Agnus Dei & Relics of Five Saints Dated 1959 – Silver-Tone Hinged Reliquary with Ebony Inlay, Pearl, COA Copy Included
This is a beautiful mid-20th century German pectoral reliquary crucifix, containing sacred relics sealed within a hinged cross form and accompanied by a copy of the original certificate issued by the Cistercian Nuns of St. Joseph’s Abbey in Thyrnau, Bavaria, dated October 20, 1959.
Inside the cross are five individual saints’ relics—each identified by handwritten labels—as well as Agnus Dei, a devotional wax tablet traditionally made from the Paschal candle blessed by the Pope. Relics are displayed against a vivid red groundcloth, decorated with filigree, glass jewels, and a central pearl-like cabochon.
The crucifix case is silver-tone metal, inset with ebony wood panels, and features an applied brass Corpus Christi and INRI scroll to the front. The construction suggests use as a pectoral devotional cross for clergy, monastics, or private veneration. Weight is 103.4 g inclusive of all materials.
📜 Contents Identified within the Cross • Agnus Dei (wax from papal Paschal candle) • St. Ursula • St. Servilis / Servilius • St. Leon? / Leonis (likely Saint Leon of Catania or Leon of Rome) • Dei / Dom. (possibly unspecified “Dei” connection to Agnus Dei) • Additional unidentified relic fragment
Hand-scroll labels appear original to the installation.
📏 Measurements
Length: approx. 5.5" Width: approx. 2.5" Weight: approx. 103.4 grams Estimated Age & Purpose of Manufacture Based on the issued certificate date, workmanship, and stylistic traits, this reliquary was most likely crafted circa 1950–1960, possibly earlier with relics installed and sealed in 1959.
Why This Type of Reliquary Was Made: ✔ Devotional use for clergy or religious orders Likely worn by a priest or abbess, or kept in a chapel as an object of veneration.
✔ Souvenir or gift of spiritual significance Many monasteries prepared reliquaries as gifts for donors, benefactors, or pilgrims.
✔ Preservation & distribution of relics Post-WWII Germany saw renewed devotional production as religious communities rebuilt; relics were sometimes distributed to strengthen faith and support the Abbey.
✔ Personal bedside or travel crucifix The size, weight, and hinge construction indicate intended use as a serious devotional item rather than casual jewelry.
The craftsmanship and official church documentation strongly suggest a legitimate monastic assembly rather than a later commercial piece.
Seller: Old Europe Antiques Home Furnishings
Door to Door Delivery Available! Inexpensive shipping options available, contact me for a quote. [512 686 6531]
Wear and imperfections commensurate with being moved, age and use. 78t25
