8cms high a 17th Century silver reliquary cross pendant marked with the 17th century Naples silver mark. The back opens to reveal several compartments in which to store Christian relics, such as fragments of bone or textile. The arms of the cross are surrounded by smaller crosses and there are two little cast silver putti lower down bordering the cross. The back has small shaped holes over which there are remenants of the Naples mark which is repeated in the lower interior section. A naive image of Christ crucified is etched or chased into the body of the cross to its face.
It is a charming early folk piece. It can be suspended on a rosary or necklace chain.
Height 8cms, Width 5 cms