Antique Reliquary with Relics of the 12 Apostles and Saint Joseph, 19th C.

Important antique reliquary, dated to the 19th century, with a devotional ensemble centred on the Twelve Apostles and presided over in the centre by a relic of Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Virgin Mary. This is a piece of special religious interest because of the composition of its relics. The reliquary brings together a clearly apostolic reading, reinforced by the central presence of Saint Joseph as a protective figure of Christ and of the Holy Family.

The case is oval, made of silver-plated metal, with a glass front and an upper ring for hanging. The interior preserves a red textile background on which the relics are arranged in small oval reserves, surrounded by metallic thread and separated by a gilded decorative structure. The labels are handwritten with a pen nib or quill, a detail that adds authenticity and fits with the dating of the piece to the 19th century. The reverse has a silver-plated metal cover. When it is removed, access is gained to the original closure, where the threads and the intact red wax seal are preserved.

The 13 relics it contains are:

1. S. Joseph. Sp. V. M. - Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Virgin Mary: He occupies the centre of the reliquary because of his essential role as custodian of Jesus and spouse of Mary. He accompanied Christ from His birth and protected the Holy Family. His spiritual contribution lies in his example of fatherhood, humility, obedience and faithful silence.

2. S. Petri Ap. - Saint Peter the Apostle: He was called by Jesus beside the Sea of Galilee, when he was working as a fisherman with his brother Andrew. He became one of Christ's closest disciples and a principal figure of the early Church. Tradition recognises him as the first shepherd of the Christian community and the visible foundation of the Church.

3. S. Pauli Ap. - Saint Paul the Apostle: He did not belong to the group of the Twelve, but converted after his encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus. He preached throughout Asia Minor, Greece and Rome, bringing the Christian faith to the Gentile world. His letters were decisive in formulating much of early Christian thought.

4. S. Andreae Ap. - Saint Andrew the Apostle: He was one of the first disciples called by Jesus and the brother of Saint Peter. Tradition places him preaching in Greece and in the regions of the Black Sea. His figure represents the first following of Christ and the missionary expansion towards the East.

5. S. Thomae Ap. - Saint Thomas the Apostle: He formed part of the group of the Twelve and is remembered for his initial doubt before the Resurrection. After recognising the risen Christ, he pronounced one of the most intense confessions of faith in the Gospel. Tradition attributes to him the evangelisation of India.

6. S. Barthol. Ap. - Saint Bartholomew the Apostle: Often identified with Nathanael, he was introduced to Jesus by Philip. Tradition connects him with the evangelisation of Armenia, Mesopotamia, Persia or India. His presence recalls the early spread of Christianity beyond the Jewish world.

7. S. Matthaei Ap. - Saint Matthew the Apostle: He was a tax collector when Jesus called him to follow Him. He left his occupation to become a disciple and witness of the Gospel. Tradition links him with the Gospel of Matthew, one of the essential texts for the transmission of Christ's teaching.

8. S. Joann. Ap. - Saint John the Apostle: He was called by Jesus together with his brother James the Greater and became one of His closest disciples. Tradition links him to Ephesus and to the fourth Gospel. His legacy is associated with a deeply spiritual vision of Christ as the incarnate Word.

9. S. Philippi Ap. - Saint Philip the Apostle: He was called by Jesus at the beginning of His public life. In the Gospel he appears as one who leads others towards Christ. Tradition connects him with preaching in Asia Minor and with the direct transmission of the Christian message.

10. S. Jac. Min. Ap. - Saint James the Less the Apostle: He was one of the Twelve and is usually identified with James son of Alphaeus. Christian tradition links him to the community of Jerusalem. His importance lies in his connection with the first Church and with the continuity of apostolic preaching.

11. S. Jac. Maj. Ap. - Saint James the Greater the Apostle: He was called by Jesus while fishing in Galilee together with his brother John. He formed part of Christ's closest circle. Tradition connects him with the evangelisation of Hispania and with one of the most widespread apostolic cults in the West.

12. S. Thadd. Ap. - Saint Jude Thaddaeus the Apostle: He was one of the Twelve, distinct from Judas Iscariot. Tradition presents him preaching in Syria, Mesopotamia and Persia, often together with Saint Simon. His devotion has remained especially linked to intercession in difficult causes.

13. S. Simonis Ap. - Saint Simon the Apostle: Known as Simon the Zealot, he formed part of the group of the Twelve chosen by Jesus. Tradition places him preaching in Egypt, Mesopotamia or Persia. His figure is linked to apostolic faithfulness and to the early expansion of Christianity.


The strength of this reliquary lies in the extraordinary devotional concentration of its content: the Twelve Apostles gathered in a single piece and Saint Joseph placed at the centre as a protective, paternal and deeply Christian presence. Its value does not lie in outward ostentation, but in the spiritual strength of its content: thirteen identified relics, handwritten labels, red textile, metallic threads and an intact rear wax seal that reinforces the devotional authenticity of the ensemble. It is a small piece, but one of enormous religious density, conceived to preserve and venerate an exceptional synthesis of the Christian faith: the apostolic Church gathered around Saint Joseph, custodian of Jesus and protector of the Holy Family.

Few reliquaries of this size offer such a complete, intimate and attractive composition for devotion. The presence of the Twelve Apostles turns the piece into a direct testimony of apostolic tradition, while Saint Joseph adds a family, protective and close dimension that notably increases its spiritual strength.

An antique, authentic and highly evocative reliquary, ideal for collectors of sacred art and, especially, for devotees of Saint Joseph who are looking for a piece with real content, sober beauty and deep religious meaning.

Measurements: Height 4.8 cm (1.89 in). Width 5.5 cm (2.17 in).

IMPORTANT ADVANTAGE FOR U.S. BUYERS
Antiques are generally duty-free when imported into the United States

This item is a genuine antique, located in Spain, within the European Union. Genuine antiques over 100 years old are generally imported into the United States duty-free under the antique customs classification.

The only inconvenience is that, in order to ship it correctly as an antique, the item may require an official export permit before it can leave Spain. This is a normal administrative procedure for antiques and historical objects, and it usually takes between 2 and 6 weeks.

The good news is that, once the permit is issued, the item will leave Spain properly documented as an antique. This helps the item enter the United States under the antique classification, generally without import duty.

Many countries have special customs treatment for genuine antiques, and although I cannot guarantee that all imports will be completely duty-free, antique classification is usually much more favorable than ordinary modern merchandise.

I will handle the export paperwork from Spain and keep you informed throughout the process. Please write me a message if you wish more information.

I think I left nothing in the description but if I forgot something, I'll be glad to answer any questions.

Buy with confidence. We are professional antique dealers.

The Shop

"Hello.

My name is José Pascual, and I am an antique dealer located in Zaragoza, Spain, which is a medium size city between Madrid and Barcelona. If you have any question, send me an email and I will gladly answer you. Enjoy my articles and I hope we keep in touch.

For any questions about this or any other item you can contact me through eBay. I will be glad to answer them.

Thanks for trusting me and enjoy !

Best wishes from Spain."

José Pascual Aznar

 

 

SHIPPING

We Always Combine Shipping for 2 or more items !!!!

Before paying please let us combine your postage cost. Simply shop away and then request the total from us. We will then send you one postage cost for all your itmes

Although the shipping expenses published with this item are exact for most of the countries and cities, they may change depending on the final city and country. To know the exact shipping quote, just write me sending your Country name, City name and Postal code, and I'll send it to you.

Combine 2 or more pieces for much cheaper shipping expenses.

IMPORTANT - SEE ALL THE PICTURES

This is an antique or vintage item, not a new item, and it's not perfect as a new one. It may have minor scratches or hits not mentioned in this description but than can be seen in the many photos published with it. Scroll down the description to see all the photos. Photos are part of the description, because a picture is worth a thousand words. Please, study the pictures as part of the description and if you have any doubt ask me.

Also be aware that when I say that an antique item is in perfect working conditions, doesn't mean that it works as new. A machine with 100 years is not prepared to be working everyday during hours, except my antique clocks. Many things can happen inside an antique mechanism and today's perfectly working spring, could be the future's failure as far away as in 10 years… or as near as the next month. It's impossible to know exactly when. But before our pieces are ready to be sold, we check the machinery and working condition of all of them. If necessary, we restore and/or repair and finally clean and/or adjust, all our antique machines, and if it's there's a defect or malfunctions, it's clearly indicated in the description, video or pictures, but these machines are still antiques.

For example, an antique car, a Ford T from 1910, may be in perfect working conditions, but this doesn't mean that it works as new or that you can use this antique car as an everyday car to go to your job. I want to leave this clear as part of the description. Antiques, even in perfect working conditions, can't be guaranteed as a new or second hand item. Not only the antique itself has 100 years old or more, but also each spring, screw, wheel and gear of its mechanism has also 100 years or more. Of course, if something happens we can help to solve the problem, even repairing it, we know experts in many areas, but understand that even a perfectly working antique is still an antique.

Please keep this in mind before buying and if you have any question, let me know.

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BUY SAFELY WITH US

  • As important is to win the auction as what happens afterwards. Our work is not complete until you receive your item safely in your home.

    - We are a 5 Stars Seller, which means that eBay, certify that we have achieved the highest standards of quality in the service we offer.
    - We certify that our products are 100% originals. Otherwise we undertake to refund of the purchase.
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    - This article will be perfectly packed so that it arrives in excellent condition. We pay full attention that you receive your article perfectly. We treat the article as if it were going to be sent to ourselves. Shipments are made with the best transport agencies worldwide, with the possibility of express delivery and insured. All shipments have tracking number via the Internet, so that at all times we know where your package is. Some articles as antique weapons, can not be sent by ordinary mail. We will contact you once the auction is ended, to specify the type of delivery.

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WE GUARANTEE YOUR ACQUISITION

Investing in antiques is always a nice way to profitable your money. Many collectors have became millionairs. If you are starting a collection, follow these important tips:

- If you want to invest in antiques, always choose original pieces and avoid reproductions. A reproduction loses half of its value in the same minute that you are purchasing it, while an original antique gains value each passing day. This is an original antique and its value will continue growing tomorrow.

- Read and learn about for area of interest: swords, clocks, phonographs, antique photos, old silver, technical antiques, typewriters... Invest in books as much as in your collection and learn as much as you can. If you keep your collecction catalogued, you will increase its value.

- Keep yourself informed about the market prices in your area of interest. There are many sources but mainly, visit as many fairs as you can, research in the Internet and read the final auctions prices in the traditional auction houses.

- Finally... Collect antiques, not junk. It is always better a small collection with excellent pieces than a huge collection of junk, rusty irons and broken machines. Select your pieces. There is not a goal to reach, so take the pleasure in in the process of your treasure hunting. A collection should be something to enjoy, and there is many interesting pieces out there and very few time to enjoy them, so be selective with your choices.

If you follow these simple steps you will be in the correct direction to develop an excellent collection, whatever is your area of interest and, for me the most important of all, enjoying the process

 

 

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WHO WE ARE & ABOUT ME
 


Jose Pascual

Hello.

My name is Jose and I am the owner and responsible of this shop. I am an antique dealer located in Saragossa, in Spain.

Saragossa is a Spanish medium size city of 700.000 people, located just in the middle of the way between Madrid and Barcelona, 300 kms from each one, and also equidistant 300 kms. to other cities as Bilbao and Valencia. It’s an antique city founded by the Romans, by the Emperor Caesar Augustus more than 2000 years ago, capital of the powerful antique Kingdom of Aragon, 900 years ago and during the Medieval times, and first defeat of Napoleon’s troops in Europe during the Napoleonic Wars in the early 19th Century, among other History...

Here I was born, here I live, and here I have my small antiques shop.

 

We are professional antique dealers

I started in this world as a collector. My parents introduced me into the world of antiques and the auction houses since I was a child here in Spain but also in other cities as Milan, London and Paris. My father introduced me into the world of antique collectibles and I started my own antique search at flea markets for my own small antiques collections since I was very young. I've been a professional antique dealer since the year 2003, when I decided to join my passion with my way of living. If while I am writing this is the year 2024, these are, 21 years, nowadays, selling antiques. And more than 30 years as a collector, and I still have a lot to learn and only a little to teach.

We are a registered legal antique business, here in Spain. We pay our taxes, too many taxes I am afraid, and we have a physical address. I have a small shop open to the public in Saragossa and we are open from 9:00 to 19:00 hours, Madrid time. You are welcome to visit me whenever you wish. I have an open shop at eBay for many years, I think at least 16 years, under the nickname 'Iberantiques', active and with more than 1350 positives feedbacks, today all 100% positive. And finally, as I mentioned before, I have my own web shop, for 16 years now, in Spanish language although it can be translated to almost any language using the Google Translator button, in the upper part of the web page. The translation is not perfect but it is 90% good, totally understandable and you can always ask me.

Mainly, I started specialized in Antique machines as gramophones, music boxes, clocks, watches… but today, I also work with other first class collector items as cameras, militaria, antique scientific instruments… To be exact, nowadays, I work with any first class antique that I could find at a correct price and that we could transport world-wide.

We provide secure shipping world-wide.

As a legal business, I have a commercial agreement with FedEx , with client account number with big shipping discounts, and we can send our items safely worldwide with a reasonable price, sometimes, even cheaper than Air Mail. We have a wide experience in packing and sending safely World Wide, from China and Singapore, to Dallas, San Francisco, New York or London, Canada, and of course almost all European Countries, many American ones including Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Ecuador and Colombia, and not forgetting Australia, South Africa, Israel and some in the Middle East as Catar and Emirates. We have sent successfully, from fragile items as Chinese Porcelain, to heavy items as Slot Coin Machines, not together into the same box, of course!. :-) .

We can send almost everything with security, no matter how big or heavy it is, if the client wants to pay the price, because some heavy or big items or delicate items into big boxes are specially expensive to send, not perhaps within Europe, but sometimes to America or Asia and some require custom made packing, as custom made wooden boxes or special foam for transport protection. The priority in Shipping is always Security and Protection for the piece. We’ve been sending International shipping since the very beginning in the year 2003. Our more than 1400 eBay clients and today's still 100% positive votes, talk about their positive experience.

We work with Selected pieces

All my items are first class collector’s items, in excellent conditions , conservation state or/and working conditions. If talking about antique machines, most of them are in perfect working conditions, perfect conservation state or perfectly restored. The few that are not, because it was not possible to repair it, it's clearly indicated. I like to work with the best pieces that I can find. I prefer to work only with selected pieces.

'Selected' doesn’t mean 'unaffordable'. My pieces have very correct prices, depending on the rarity and the conservation state of the piece itself. Every piece has a price rank, from junk state to museum state, that I consider is the highest one. ‘Selected’ means that I prefer to work with Museum State pieces, or near, and First Class collector’s items, or near rather than other kind of low quality pieces .

We guarantee the description and datation of all our pieces

I always give guarantee my descriptions, not only in general antiques, but even in the working condition of an antique machine. Of course, to be completely sincere, it’s mainly impossible to give a full guarantee in the working condition of an antique working machine with over or more than 100 years. Many things can happen inside an antique mechanism and today’s perfectly working spring, could be the future’s failure as far away as in ten years… or as near as the next month. It's impossible to know exactly when. But before our pieces are ready to be sold, we check the machinery and working condition of all of them. If necessary, we restore and/or repair and finally clean and/or adjust, all our antique machines, and if it’s there's a defect or malfunctions, it’s clearly indicated in the description, video or pictures.

We try to have all our pieces in perfect working conditions, but if a disaster occurs and the item gets out of order or damaged, for any reason, we can help to solve the problem or to help to repair it or to restore it. We work with first class professionals that can restore from antique medieval paintings to 13th Century silver, other metals as iron, copper and bronze, to any kind of wood. Also, we can repair antique machines as gramophones, antique clocks, typewriters and antique mechanical calculators.

We give a private Certificate of Authenticity of the item if required, that we send with the piece or by Mail.

Our Priority is your satisfaction

And the most important of all, we always take great care of the customer service. Client’s experience with antiques should be always pleasant and happy, or, if this is not completely possible, at least satisfactory and full of joy. Our work only ends, not when we sell the piece, but when our client has the piece in his hands, safely and in good conditions.

I speak English fluently, some French, and, of course, Spanish.

Thanks for reading this, I hope to deal with you soon, and we stay in touch. .

Jose Pascual