Fine 17th Century German Double Sided Silver Reliquary Pendant On Original Chain

Description

Fine 17th Century German Double Sided Silver Reliquary Pendant On Original Chain
In amazing condition at approximately 400 years-of-age, this 1620 - 1650, double-sided reliquary has two hand painted miniatures on vellum mounted in silver, with rock crystal covers on both sides and its original silvered brass belcher chain. The beautifully painted vignettes include one of Saint Xaver (German/Austrian spelling of Xavier), co-founder of the Society Of Jesus (The Jesuits), in vestments holding a cross with "S Xaver" in a banner and red drapery with gold tassels in the background, and one of Saint Barbara, patron saint of miners, in a pastoral vignette holding a palm, a symbol of her martyrdom, with "S Barbara" in a banner. The silver work is elaborate and well-executed with serrated bezels, decorative edges and a beautifully shaped finial, and the 2 1/4 x 1 1/4 inch pendant has a soldered jump-ring on top and is attached to its 62-inch, silver-on-brass belcher chain via a later spring-ring clasp. One of the rock crystal covers is relatively flat so the pendant can rest securely on or against a flat surface, the other is high-domed, and the pendant and chain are i
n excellent condition with a little wear to some of the bezel teeth and some silver loss to the chain.
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