Antique Reliquary Shrine Traveling sterling ALter case with Warrior cross Jesuit PRiest
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I doubt you will ever see another case like this unless it is in a museum. It is a sterling case with a secondary folding frame inside and a hidden reliquary compartment. The hidden symbols on this indicate it may have been the property of a Jesuit Priest. I will try and walk you thru the symbolism so you can see all the beautiful designs with hidden symbols. The front has a symbol at the top which is the The Chi Rho. The Chi Rho is a symbol made from the first two letters of "Christ" in Greek. It is said that before an important battle, the Emperor Constantine saw this symbol in the sky and heard the words "By this sign, conquer." It is a warriors cross. Chi-Rho is the oldest known monogram (or letter symbol) for Christ. Some call this symbol the "Christogram" and it dates back to the second century Roman Emperor. Constantine. Though the truth of this story is questionable, it is said that Constantine saw this symbol in the sky before an important battle, and he heard the message, "By this sign, conquer." Thus, he adopted the symbol for his army. Chi (x =ch) and Rho (p = r) are the first three letters of "Christ" or "Christos" in the Greek language. Though there are many variations of the Chi-Rho, most commonly it consists of the overlaying of the two letters, and oftentimes is surrounded by a circle. alpha omega for "I am the beginning and the end. The sign is often combined with the Greek letters for Alpha and Omega to indicate Christ as the beginning and the ending.In early Christian uses, the sign is found on oil lamp handles, glass gold plates, various utensils (spoons for the host, for instance), and marked or carved in the catacombs. It is one of the most frequently found symbols on early Christian rings Under this symbol hidden in the vines is IHS. In the Middle Ages the Name of Jesus was written: IHESUS; the monogram contains the first and last letter of the Holy Name. When you open this great old case you see on the bottom left a secret door in the form of a door that opens . Inside would have been a relic most likely. The outside of the door reads Regina Decor Carmeli–Queen and Beauty of Carmel. On the back inside door you see a coin shape of Saint Christopher. Before the 1969 reform of the Roman calendar, Christopher was listed as a martyr who died under Decius. Nothing else is known about him. There are several legends about him including the one in which he was crossing a river when a child asked to be carried across. When Christopher put the child on his shoulders he found the child was unbelievably heavy. The child, according to the legend, was Christ carrying the weight of the whole world. This was what made Christopher patron saint of travelers. His former feast day is July 25. Christopher is one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, and the patron saint of travelers. Medallions with his name and image are worn to show devotion to a certain saint and ask for that saint's prayers.This coin shaped ornament give weight to the theory that this was a portable alter. Also note the constellations behind him indicating traveling and the stars. The center frame may have held a Holy card of some sort..This measures 3" x 2" and has so much detail and metal work that you can only look in wonderment as to how something so small could have so much detail and compartments. This weighs 62.2 grams of silver. I would estimate this to be from the early 1800's. A true piece of history that probably has many wonderful stories to tell if it could talk. VintageSparkles offers Layaway on all our pieces regardless of which site it comes from. Please remember that vintage & antique items are not mint, nor are they perfect but they sure are full of old history and charm. Please use photos to make your decisions and read our policies prior to buying so you can have an excellent experience with us.
Vintagesparkles
Spring Hill, Florida
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Shipping: $10.00
