Antique Catholic pocket shrine to Saint Therese

Very rare and special little antique pocket portable shrine to Saint Therese of Lisieux. In a miniature triptych form, this little wooden or paper maché case folds flat to sit in a pocket or bag. There is a small catch to secure it when shut. The medallion is likely to be bronze, designed by Lasserre, bearing his signature at the lower edge. Very unusually, the medallion is two tone. The halo is golden whilst the rest is pewter in shade. Bears the inscription Santa Teresia A Jesu Infante. Permanently secured in a bed of blue velvet, with a bronze scroll bearing the date of the saint’s canonisation: Roma Ar. Jub. 1925. I’ve searched extensively and have not found another of these medallions in two tones, or within a case like this with the commemorative scroll. So this is a rare piece. In good antique condition. There are a couple of tiny flaws in the velvet and the hinges feel a little loose, although they are perfectly secure if handled with care. Overall it has a lovely patina of age. Saint Therese is widely venerated in modern times. Her Basilica shrine in France is next in popularity to Lourdes. Born in 1873 and died in 1897, she achieved much in her short life....more

Miss Bricabrac Vintage

United Kingdom

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