St Desiderius Martyr Relic Reliquary Wax Seal + Document. 20 Feb 1860

Devotional reliquary containing an important relic of:
 
Saint Desiderius - Martyr 
 
Identified by the handwritten label “Os. S. Desiderii M.” 
This nineteenth-century round reliquary presents the small fragment within a delicate starburst mount above an ornamental handwritten scroll. A shimmering woven background, glazed front, and silver-coloured rim create a dignified setting for prayerful contemplation. 
 
Reliquary guarantee The accompanying document is dated 20 February 1860, issued at Mechelen under the ecclesiastical authority of His Eminence Cardinal Engelbert Sterckx, Archbishop of Mechelen and Primate of Belgium. It bears a vicar-general’s signature and an embossed ecclesiastical seal. On the reverse, a red heraldic wax seal remains present. The certificate records securing silk threads and sealing under ecclesiastical authority.
 
Biography: Saint Desiderius is honored here as a Christian martyr, remembered for fidelity to Christ unto death. Several saints share this name, and the inscription does not securely distinguish which martyr is represented. A specific life story, death date, or account of miracles therefore cannot confidently be assigned. This devotional piece invites reflection on the courage and enduring witness of the Church’s martyrs.
 
Condition Good overall antique presentation, with metal patina, light surface wear, and age-related paper folds and spotting.
 
Provenance Belgium — private collection
 
Payments can be made using PayPal, Credit Card Bank transfer or Cash On Collection
Shipping We ship this item in a professionally packed manner and we provide tracking numbers.
Custom duties Any custom duties requested by the buyer´s country are to be paid by the buyer.
Delivery If you have any special delivery or shipping requirements, we are happy to help.
Please note that we only sell the containers of our relics, the Holy Relics are given free in accordance with canon law.
At Soul Antiques & Sacred Art we take pride in our work by making detailed and accurate descriptions of every item. Sold "As is"
 
Listing info (continued)
Devotional reliquary contents Devotional reliquary containing an important relic of:
Saint Desiderius - Martyr
Biography: Saint Desiderius is honored as a Christian martyr, remembered for fidelity to Christ unto death; the historical record for this name varies and a precise life story is not definitively identifiable from the material. The reliquary emphasizes contemplation of martyrdom and steadfast faith.
Reliquary guarantee The seal corresponds with the accompanying original Certificate of Authenticity (COA), issued and signed by His Eminence Cardinal Engelbert Sterckx, Archbishop of Mechelen and Primate of Belgium, documenting the relic’s authenticity and sacred provenance. The reverse bears a wax seal and ecclesiastical marks.
Condition report Overall good condition for an antique relic container; copper case with silver rim shows patina; glass front intact; minor wear consistent with age; threads and sealing history not fully determinable from photos.
Provenance Belgium — private collection
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Payments can be made using PayPal, Credit Card Bank transfer or Cash On Collection
We ship this item in a professionally packed manner and we provide tracking numbers.
Any custom duties requested by the buyer´s country are to be paid by the buyer.
If you have any special delivery or shipping requirements, we are happy to help.
Please note that we only sell the containers of our relics, the Holy Relics are given free in accordance with canon law.
At Soul Antiques & Sacred Art we take pride in our work by making detailed and accurate descriptions of every item. Sold "As is"