Antique silver reliquary locket pendant, INRI, mourning

A beautiful and unusual antique silver reliquary locket pendant.

To the front of the locket there is a naively engraved image of Jesus crucified on the cross with the inscription INRI to the top.

The other side has a picture of Mary holding baby Jesus, this has old script MP OY (Greek) meaning Mother of God with his name inscribed as an abbreviation IE XG, there are some letters to the halo but these are hard to read.

It is a deep oval shape with a screw top bale which when removed allows the locket to be opened up, the original contents have been removed and inside there is a lock of light coloured hair tied with ribbon, probably somewhere in the 19th century the owner converted this to their own mourning pendant, holding a lock of hair from a loved one.

Unmarked, tests as sterling silver.

Very well made and a lovely early piece, a beautiful antique pendant to treasure.

English origin, 18th century.

Condition:
Good used condition overall, some age commensurate wear and signs of use, some spotting and tarnish in areas, original contents removed and replaced with hair.

Approx measurements:
0.95" width
1.5" length including the bale
0.35" depth

Weighs approx 15.75 grams

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