Up for sale is a beautiful and highly collectible antique Catholic reliquary rosary from the late 19th or early 20th century. This unique piece features a hidden-compartment “box” crucifix that holds two sacred third-class relics. The Hidden Relics: Unscrewing the pin at the bottom of the cross allows the front to swing open. Inside, a perfectly preserved, clear paper label identifies both relics: St. Dominic Wood: The vertical text reads Lignum arboris S. Dominici, holding a tiny sliver of wood from the historic orange tree planted by St. Catacomb Earth: The horizontal text reads “Terre Catacomb”, containing a small specimen of sacred soil from the Roman catacombs. The Beads: The loop is made of natural, dark brown Spina Christi (“Thorn of Christ”) seed beads. They have a beautiful, slightly irregular oval shape and are held together by a strong antique chain. It’s very likely this had a mark on the front of the crucifix at some point. Condition: Excellent antique condition. The screw and hinge mechanisms work smoothly and lock tightly. The metal has been left uncleaned to preserve its authentic, aged antique patina. All beads are present.
