Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 21

Fine 19th Century French Neo-Gothic Gilt Metal Cathedral Church Reliquary Pair

$6,500per set
£4,962.72per set
€5,734.38per set
CA$9,124.77per set
A$10,170.51per set
CHF 5,336.12per set
MX$124,198.46per set
NOK 67,566.83per set
SEK 63,860.93per set
DKK 42,798.17per set

About the Item

A stunning pair of very fine quality French Neo-Gothic gilt metal church reliquaries. circa 1860s Most impressive objets d’art, born in France in the second half of the 19th century, most likely Parisian gilded bronze and brass ormolu work, exceptionally executed sculptural form, the exquisitely detailed architectural cathedral shaped case having a removable pointed steeple roof with cross finial, opening to relic display case surrounded on all sides by original glazed glass panes, stepped base, rising on disc feet. Signed, stamped by maker / bronzier "BC" (unknown) model "5096" and other faint marks to lid interiors. Additional photos available upon request Dimensions: (approx) 14.75" High, 6.75" Wide, 6.75" Deep; 13.25 lbs total History: A reliquary (also referred to as a shrine, by the French term châsse or monstrance) is a container for important religious relics. The earliest reliquaries were essentially boxes, either simply box-shaped or based on an architectural design, taking the form of a model of a church with a pitched roof. These latter are known by the French term chasse, and typical examples from the 12th to 14th century have wooden frameworks with gilt-copper plaques nailed on, decorated in champlevé enamel. Limoges was the largest production centre; NB the English usage differs from that of the French châsse, which denotes large size rather than shape. Relics of the True Cross became very popular from the 9th century onward and were housed in magnificent gold and silver cross-shaped reliquaries decorated with enamels and precious stones. From about the end of the 10th century, reliquaries in the shape of the relics they housed also became popular; hence, for instance, the skull of Pope Alexander I was housed in a head-shaped reliquary. Similarly, the bones of saints were often housed in reliquaries that recalled the shape of the original body part, such as an arm or a foot. A philatory is a transparent reliquary designed to contain and exhibit the bones and relics of saints. This style of reliquary has a viewing portal to view the relic inside. The feretrum was a medieval form of reliquary or shrine containing the sacred effigies and relics of a saint. During the later Middle Ages, the monstrance form, primarily used for consecrated hosts, was sometimes used for reliquaries. These housed the relic in a rock crystal, or glass capsule mounted on a column above a base, enabling the relic to be displayed to the faithful. Reliquaries in the form of large pieces of metalwork jewellery also appeared around this time, housing tiny relics such as pieces of the Holy Thorn, notably the Holy Thorn Reliquary now in the British Museum. Condition: Superb museum quality examples, in excellent original unrestored antique condition with beautifully aged patina. Wear consistent with age and use. Heavily patinated - scattered oxidation. Overall wonderful examples. Typically reliquaries were not sold in pairs, so to find a matching pair such as this is exceptionally rare. Worldwide shipping available Local pickup available near Dallas, Texas Additional: We here at Lynx Hollow Antiques love religious antiques, from Christian tabernacles, Catholic altarpiece, life-size Buddhist temple sculptures, Hindu votive offerings, 16th century Islamic mosque architectural salvaged windows, we have a large selection to choose from. Also including Spanish Colonial santo figure carvings, Mexican folk art, hand-painted retablo, reredos, icons, liturgical cabinets, monastery tables, religious home decor, and more. Be sure to checkout our other listings.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 14.75 in (37.47 cm)Width: 6.75 in (17.15 cm)Depth: 6.75 in (17.15 cm)
  • Sold As:
    Set of 2
  • Style:
    Gothic Revival (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    circa 1860s
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Superb museum quality examples, in excellent original unrestored antique condition with beautifully aged patina. Wear consistent with age and use. Heavily patinated - scattered oxidation. Overall wonderful examples.
  • Seller Location:
    Forney, TX
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU5977235578342

More From This Seller

View All
Fine 19th Century European Gilt Bronze Ormolu Monstrance Reliquary
Located in Forney, TX
A scarce fine quality neoclassical Empire style vasiform gilt bronze ormolu church religious relic altar monstrance reliquary. Exquisitely hand-crafted in Continental Europe in the second half of the 19th century, most likely French Napoleon III Period (1852-1870), having a fanned cross crest, above winged angel mask, central oval display...
Category

Antique 19th Century European Empire Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

19th Century Gothic Revival Bronze Altar Candlestick Pair
Located in Forney, TX
A stunning pair of antique Neo-Gothic bronze church altar stick candle prickets with beautifully aged patina. European, late 19th century, each with a single candle socket, mural crown, pierced quatrefoils, wafer stem, rising on paw feet. Dimensions: (approx) 27.25" Tall, 8.25" Diameter; 28lbs total Condition: Great original unrestored antique condition with nicely aged dark warm patinated finish. Distinctive gilt brass and copper like tones. Wear consistent with age and indicative of use. Overall outstanding examples World Wide Shipping Available Local Pickup/Delivery available around Dallas, Texas We here at Lynx Hollow Antiques absolutely love collecting and decorating with religious objects. From a church altar table...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Gothic Revival Candlesticks

Materials

Bronze

18th Century Italian Carved Painted Wood Reliquary Altar Figure Bust Pair
Located in Forney, TX
A remarkable pair of scarce large Italian Baroque period carved and painted wood church altar reliquary busts. Born in Italy in the 18th century / possibly late 17th century, figural form, each hand carved from a single log, modeled as opposing figures, parcel gilt polychrome decorated, hollowed central cavity with original glazed glass relic viewing panel, rising on integral marbleized scroll foot base. Dimensions: (each) 21.25" Tall, 8.5" Wide, 8" Deep; 16.25lbs Total Condition Report: Very good original unrestored antique condition with beautifully aged patina. Wear consistent with age and use, including scattered nicks, chips, and chippy paint losses. One glazed panel with losses to sides. Overall in great shape, strong, sturdy, stable, and structurally sound. Presents splendidly We here at Lynx Hollow Antiques absolutely love decorating with religious antiques! From an antique altarpiece, tabernacle, reredos, shrine niche, baptismal font, crucifix, santo statue, icon, religious folk art, retablo, monastery table to church architectural elements...
Category

Antique 18th Century Italian Baroque Religious Items

Materials

Blown Glass, Wood

Antique Neo-Gothic Gilt Bronze Pricket Candlestick
Located in Forney, TX
A stunning Late Victorian Neo-Gothic gilt bronze altar stick pricket candlestick. Late 19th to early 20th century, the Continental European antique features an exceptionally executed...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Gothic Revival Candlesticks

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Antique French Victorian Neo-Renaissance Gilt Brass Andirons & Fender Bar Set
Located in Forney, TX
A most impressive 19th century French gilt bronze three-piece fireplace set. France, circa 1870, almost certainly Parisian work, exceptionally executed in Renaissance Revival taste,...
Category

Antique 19th Century French Renaissance Revival Fireplace Tools and Chim...

Materials

Brass, Bronze, Iron

Important Early 18th Century Italian Carved Monstrance Reliquary Tabernacle
Located in Forney, TX
Important and historic, acquired from the estate of legendary American businessman, the late T. Boone Pickens, we're proud to offer this exceptional carved giltwood reliquary - monstrance from the early 18th century. Elaborately hand carved in period Rococo - Rocaille taste, with superb scrollwork, openwork, fanciful acanthus leaf and shell, ornate detailing, polychrome painted warm pastel colors, now beautifully distressed, muted tones, with remnants of gold gilded accents. Pieces such as this were used in early churches for convenient exhibition or public display of some object of piety and other important religious relics...
Category

Antique Early 18th Century Italian Rococo Religious Items

Materials

Giltwood

You May Also Like

Two Antique Gothic Cathedral Form Giltwood Frames, C1880
Located in Big Flats, NY
Two Antique Gothic Cathedral Form Giltwood Frames, C1880. 33 1/4" x 15 3/4" x 2 1/2". A pair of antique Gothic-style gilt wood frames from circa 1880, featuring religious scene...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Picture Frames

Materials

Giltwood

Antique Pair Gothic Cathedral Brass Prickets-Church/Altar Candlesticks, Ric.0042
Located in Norton, MA
Antique pair of Gothic Cathedral motif brass prickets - Church/Altar candlesticks with gothic architectural design elements. Ric.0042.  
Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Candlesticks

Materials

Bronze

Pair of 19th C. Italian Reliquaries
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th century pair of ornate gilded relicquaries made of brass with a gilt finish. The feature highly decorative Baroque or Rococo-style detailing, including intricate scrollwork, f...
Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Baroque Religious Items

Materials

Brass

Pair of Enamel and Gilt Bronze Altar Candlesticks
Located in London, GB
Finely worked in gilt bronze, and delicately enameled, this impressive pair of altar candlesticks is the work of an exceptionally skilled craftsman. Built in the Baroque style, each ...
Category

Antique 19th Century French Baroque Candelabras

Materials

Ormolu

Large Pair of 18th / 19th Century Italian Silvered Reliquaries
Located in Milford, NH
A fine large pair of Italian silvered metal over wood reliquaries with putti, grape, shell, and scrollwork design. Each have memorial pendant displays with names (The left reads S. Innocentii M & S Clementiani M,” while the other is illegible. The pair is in very good condition, with great overall patina, some metal lifting...
Category

Antique Late 18th Century Italian Baroque Religious Items

Materials

Metal

Pair of Old Oak Church Altars in the Neo-Gothic Style
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Pair of antique Neo-Gothic style oak church altars.
Category

Antique 19th Century Belgian Gothic Revival Architectural Elements

Materials

Oak