A very fine complete reliquary cross, known as enkolpion, featuring a hinged base and a barrel-shaped suspension loop at the top. The cross is formed of two halves to enclose a relic (long gone). It is decorated with images typical of Christian iconography. On one side, the piece depicts a crucified Christ between the small figures of the Virgin and St. John; his arms are outstretched upon the cross and a halo shines around his head. He wears a collobium (a sleeveless or short-sleeved garment) with two clavi (bands), an iconographic type established in the early Christian centuries. The inscription carved beneath each outstretched arm written in abbreviated Greek IDEOUSSOU IDOUMETERSOU, translating to “Behold your son, Behold your mother”. Above his head, a tablet with a sun and a crescent moon. There is an IN above his head which I presume is short for the oft used INRI or INBI. The reverse side depicts a more naive repetition of the same figures. There I can make out   ΠΑΝΑΓΙΑ 'All Holy' and I think some letters which could be 'Mother of God'. Feels very weighty. Over 5 ounces 153 grams.
Height 10.5cms W 5.5cms D1.2cms Weight 153 grams tests as containing a low silver mix but I think mainly bronze.