7th-10th centuries. Carried by European Pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land to visit the land where Christ lived and died. Bronze, 1 3/4” height the faces, front and back with niello inlay crosses. Made in two pieces with a hinged base and pin secured at the top with suspension loop. The hollow interior with a sacred relic perhaps the hair of a saint, a splinter of the cross, etc. This example sealed as made. Fine glossy patina with the details well preserved.
