Russian Gilt Silver Reliquary Box, Romanov Eagle

18th century AD. A substantial parcel-gilt silver reliquary formed as a rectangular body with apsidal end; repoussé arcade to the sidewall with seventeen figures of saints, nimbate and facing, each with an open book in the right hand and reading-aid in the left; the flat end-wall with median gridded door and bust of Mary Theotokos with the infant Jesus, flanked by fronds; the lid with busts of winged angels to the lip, full-length repoussé portrait of Mary Theotokos with the infant Jesus on her lap, flanked by nimbate angels, and to the rounded end a D-shaped panel with the Romanov Imperial double-headed eagle; miniature architectural models of two square-section churches with a cylindrical tower and fluted domed roof, larger square-section church with repoussé cherubim (six-winged angels) to the side walls, arcaded turret with low dome, all surmounted by cross motifs. 1.1 kg, 24cm (9 1/2"). From an East London collection; previously in a collection formed between 1990-2000. The Romanov eagle was part of the heraldry of the Russian Empire (1721-1917) having been adapted from the arms of the Grand Duchy of Moscow in the 15th century. A video of this lot can be viewed on Timeline Auctions website.
Condition Report: Very fine condition.