Antique Bronze Brass Religious Neo Gothic Revival Jewelry Reliquary Box Casket

Description

According to research I have found from sellers of unique and rare boxes, this is an exceptional & rare reliquary or jewelry box in the Gothic Revival style. Some very similar pieces were described as solid bronze, sometimes solid brass and even both bronze and brass mixed metal boxes. It’s a very appealing intricate, decorative box in good condition. Most often dated to have been created in the early 1800s, pre-Napoleon in 1830. With the makers mark, hallmarks, numbers and letter, and German signature on the underside of the piece, an expert in the field would be best to consult or a reputable auction house.
This piece would take a great amount of time and sundry artisans required to make this piece. Therefore, only churches and the very wealthy could afford such expensive luxury items. They still command prices that are very high: a single one was found for under ,000 at 5. Most others from ,500 - ,000 range with more than half already sold.
The reason for being so labor intensive and requiring a team of artisans skilled in different fields is why these pieces were seen as like jewelry themselves.
First, a gothic style box would be designed as a paper drawing with each scene reviewed and approved as accurate by a representative of the Church.
Second, from the drawing, a built to scale model would have to be made a sculpture of wood or clay.
Third, the sculpture served to create a mold for each side of the box being created in bronze or brass.
Fourth, the surfaces of the box castings would be polished. Fifth, then they would need to be welded together somehow back in the early 1800s.
Sixth and lastly, the lid hinge and key lock plate being created and affixed would make the item completed.
The box is very sturdy, stands strong and stable. The hinges line up perfectly but two of them need to be reaffixed if you wish you use the hinge top frequently. Otherwise, leave as is if you like. It has the original lock and lock plate but no key.
No flaws, damage or previous repairs to report.
Dimensions are approximately 6” wide, 3” deep and 3” tall.
The most similar box I found was 84.65. Mine is priced lower at 95 and a superior piece!
Free Priority Mail domestic shipping.
Standard return policy for antiques. No returns unless the item doesn’t match the description.
I, the Seller, will pay the full return shipping if that occurs.
It never has.