A small German silver interior gilt pilgrim souvenir box for relics of St. Walpurga. Monogrammed "*S*WB". Unmarked, probably Eichstätt, 17th/18th C. - image-1

Lot 447 Dα

A small German silver interior gilt pilgrim souvenir box for relics of St. Walpurga. Monogrammed "*S*WB". Unmarked, probably Eichstätt, 17th/18th C.

Auction 1039 - overview Cologne
14.11.2014, 10:30 - Silver, Boxes, and Portrait Miniatures
Estimate: 500 €
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A small German silver interior gilt pilgrim souvenir box for relics of St. Walpurga. Monogrammed "*S*WB". Unmarked, probably Eichstätt, 17th/18th C.

H 3 cm, weight 11 g.

St. Walburga, Abbess of Heidenheim and sister of St. Willibald, died around 779. Her relics were translated to Eichstätt circa 100 years later and buried in the spot where the Church and Benedictine Nunnery of St. Walpurga stand today. Since the 9th century there have been reports of miraculous oil flowing from the Saint's grave. This fluid was collected throughout the centuries in decorative flasks and given to the believers.