ANTIQUE 18TH CENTURY LAMB OF GOD SILVER AGNUS DEI HOLY TABLET SILVER CASE. THIS SMALL OBJECT IS BELIEVED TO HAVE HELD A TABLET MADE FROM THE CANDLES BLESSED DURING THE EASTER CEREMONIES IN ROME AND REGARDED AS HOLY.
ANTIQUE 18TH CENTURY SILVER AGNUS DEI LAMB OF GOD DEVOTIONAL CASE 14.2G
A beautiful antique SILVER AGNUS DEI DEVOTIONAL CASE, featuring the traditional Christian image of the:
LAMB OF GOD
carrying the banner / cross of victory.
This finely worked circular devotional object has an ornate:
PIERCED / OPENWORK SILVER BORDER
with fabric backing and a central sacred image, and would originally have been intended to hold or protect a:
BLESSED AGNUS DEI WAX TABLET
or related devotional insert.
A fascinating piece of early Catholic devotional silver with strong religious, ecclesiastical and historical appeal.
Details
Type: Agnus Dei Devotional Case / Reliquary-Type Pendant
Subject: Lamb of God / Agnus Dei
Period: 18th Century Style / Antique
Material: Silver, subject to hallmark / testing confirmation
Weight: Approx. 14.2 grams
Form: Circular
Construction: Openwork / Pierced Silver with Fabric Backing
Use: Devotional / Religious / Protective Case
Please refer to the photographs for the exact dimensions, hallmarks, construction, fabric, suspension fitting and condition.
Agnus Dei – Lamb of God
The central religious image depicts:
AGNUS DEI
Latin for:
LAMB OF GOD
The Lamb is traditionally shown carrying a:
CROSS OR BANNER OF VICTORY
and represents Christ in Christian iconography.
This image has been used for centuries in:
MEDALS
RELIQUARIES
DEVOTIONAL OBJECTS
ECCLESIASTICAL ART
SACRED WAX TABLETS
and remains one of the most recognisable symbols of Catholic devotion.
Blessed Agnus Dei Wax Tablets
Historically, an Agnus Dei could also refer to a small wax devotional tablet traditionally made from wax associated with Paschal / Easter candles and solemnly blessed in Rome.
These sacred wax tablets were impressed with religious imagery, typically including the Lamb of God, and were treasured as devotional objects.
They were sometimes protected within finely made:
SILVER
GILT-METAL
FABRIC-LINED
OPENWORK CASES
such as this example.
Silver Openwork Case
The frame is particularly attractive, with a:
SCALLOPED
PIERCED
OPENWORK
border surrounding the central devotional image.
The design has elements reminiscent of:
FILIGREE
REPOUSSÉ
PIERCED SILVERWORK
and gives the piece a delicate, lace-like appearance.
The silverwork would have served both a decorative and protective function.
Fabric Backing
The interior / reverse incorporates textile backing, possibly:
SILK
VELVET
OTHER DEVOTIONAL FABRIC
as was often used in religious cases and reliquary-type objects.
The textile provides a rich visual contrast against the silver openwork.
Its precise fibre has not been laboratory tested.
18th-Century Character
The form, religious subject and decorative silverwork are consistent with devotional objects of the:
18TH CENTURY
although the date should ultimately be judged from:
HALLMARKS
CONSTRUCTION
WEAR
PROVENANCE
where available.
I would therefore describe the piece as 18th century / 18th-century style unless the hallmarks or provenance establish a precise date.
Devotional Use
Objects of this kind were personal expressions of faith and could be:
WORN
CARRIED
KEPT IN A PRIVATE ORATORY
PLACED AMONG DEVOTIONAL OBJECTS
They are sometimes described loosely as reliquaries, host cases or pendants, but the most accurate broad description here is:
AGNUS DEI DEVOTIONAL CASE
unless the internal construction proves a different specific function.
Collector Appeal
This piece should appeal to collectors of:
Agnus Dei
Catholic Devotional Objects
Religious Silver
18th-Century Silver
Ecclesiastical Antiques
Reliquaries
Christian Iconography
Lamb of God
Antique Pendants
Sacred Art
Continental Silver
Highlights
AGNUS DEI / LAMB OF GOD
ANTIQUE DEVOTIONAL CASE
SILVER OPENWORK FRAME
APPROX. 14.2 GRAMS
Banner / cross of victory
Circular scalloped design
Fabric-backed construction
Strong Catholic devotional interest
18th-century character
Fine early religious collectable
A very appealing antique Agnus Dei silver devotional case, combining delicate openwork craftsmanship with powerful Christian symbolism.
Condition & Attribution
The piece is in honest antique condition with wear consistent with age and devotional use.
Please inspect the photographs carefully for any:
SILVER TARNISH
SURFACE RUBBING
SMALL BENDS
MINOR LOSSES TO OPENWORK
EDGE WEAR
FABRIC FADING
STAINS
FRAYING
OLD REPAIRS
GENERAL AGE-RELATED WEAR
where visible.
The recorded weight is approximately:
14.2 GRAMS
including all components, so this should not be treated as the pure silver weight.
The case is described as silver based on the supplied information; exact fineness and country of origin should be confirmed from any visible hallmarks or testing.
The object is described as an Agnus Dei devotional case intended for a sacred wax tablet or similar insert. No claim is made that any surviving internal element is an officially authenticated papal-blessed wax Agnus Dei unless documentary provenance supports that conclusion.
Likewise, the 18th-century dating should be regarded as based on style and construction unless hallmarks or provenance provide a precise date.
🖼️ Item Condition:
This item is in honest antique condition. I’ve included detailed photographs to show the condition, size, weight and construction, so please review them carefully before placing your bid.
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