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Lot 1063

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Post Medieval Silver Reliquary Cross and Chain

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Circa 19th century AD An impressive reliquary pendant comprising a 90 cm box-weave chain with barrel-shaped terminals flanking a substantial bifacial disc counterweight with a niello lozenge-and-arcs motif to one face and niello cross within Greek capitals NKGA to the other; the reliquary pendant formed as a hollow expanding-arm cross of two plates with hinge to the lower end and closure to the upper, articulating attachment plate and barrel-shaped loop with filigree banding to the centre and edges; the faces of the cross with inlaid niello designs within punched-pellet borders comprising: to the obverse, a crucifixion scene with sun and moon above HC XC, crucifixion flanked by nimbate busts and third nimbate bust below, the text in Greek capitals to the left IDEOYOSA and to the right DAIMTRI; to the reverse, a standing nimbate female with raised hands among three lozenge-and-arcs motifs, the text in Greek capitals below the arms MR and ThA; the obverse plate with paired pierced D-shaped lobes at the upper and lower ends; Balkans workmanship. Silver, 270 grams, 57 cm overall (22 1/2") Property of a Gentleman; acquired in the early 1980's.

Very fine condition. Very rare.

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