Post Medieval Papal Silver Reliquary Pendant with Portrait
18th-19th century A.D. A silver reliquary pendant composed of a hinged oval-shaped locket with articulate swivel clasp and perforated suspension loop; the upper face engraved with a bleeding heart wearing a crown of barbed wire and surmounted by a Christian cross, framed by two scrolled bars; reverse engraved with similar bars framing the initials 'MRA' (possibly 'Maria Regina Angelorum') with leaf below; the interior with polychrome bust of the Virgin glancing skywards, her hands clasped in front of her body to her right, a flaming heart impaled with five swords in front of her chest, painted onto glass; glass panel with fabric backing sewn with the papal insignia of crossed keys beneath cross-topped triple crown (tiara) in what appears to be gold and silver thread; possible inscription to upper face of the (articulate) hinge. 50.36 grams, 70 mm high (2 3/4 in.). Property of a Colchester, UK, collector.