France, c. 1876–1900
A thoughtfully curated French devotional pairing that brings together two antique objects of prayer from the late nineteenth century: a beautifully preserved Paroissien Romain prayer book and a luminous antique rosary.
The missal is a French edition of the Paroissien Romain, approved by Charles Théodore Colet, Archbishop of Tours, and bears an ecclesiastical approval dated 12 February 1876. Bound in black leather with gilt brass edging, a rounded spine, and an ornate pierced brass clasp, it remains remarkably intact. Inside are richly printed prayers, liturgical texts, and devotional engravings, their softly aged pages carrying the quiet beauty only time can create. A bookseller’s label from Doyen Lefebvre of Frévent, Pas-de-Calais, offers a small glimpse into its early journey through northern France.
Paired with the missal is an antique French rosary composed of luminous cream and pale gray beads, believed to be shell or mother of pearl, suspended from a darkened metal chain. A delicate heart shaped center leads to a translucent crucifix with a finely cast metal corpus, creating a striking contrast between light and shadow. The rosary possesses the gentle warmth and honest patina that only decades of devotion can impart.
Although acquired separately, these two pieces belong naturally together. Their colors, materials, and quiet wear complement one another beautifully, evoking the intimate rhythm of daily prayer in another century. One can easily imagine them resting beside a bedside lamp, tucked into a pilgrim’s satchel, or carried faithfully to Sunday Mass.
Together they are more than two antiques. They become a small devotional world, carefully gathered and preserved for a new steward.
Included
• Antique French Paroissien Romain prayer book
• Black leather binding with gilt brass edging and decorative clasp
• Ecclesiastical approval dated 1876
• Original devotional engravings throughout
• Antique French rosary with luminous cream and pale gray shell or mother of pearl beads
• Heart shaped center and translucent crucifix with metal corpus
Condition
Both pieces display the beautiful signs of age expected of devotional objects that were genuinely used and cherished. The missal retains its original leather binding, brass edging, clasp, and complete text block with age toning throughout. The rosary exhibits an attractive aged patina with gentle wear consistent with its age. Together they remain structurally sound and display beautifully.
Curator’s Note
Some objects seem destined to find one another.
While this missal and rosary did not begin their journeys together, they now tell a shared story. The warm ivory pages echo the soft glow of the beads, the aged brass clasp mirrors the darkened chain, and the translucent crucifix catches the light like a quiet prayer.
It is this conversation between objects that defines The Hidden Reliquary: not simply collecting sacred antiques, but preserving the atmosphere of devotion they once held.
May these companions continue their quiet work for another century.
Important Note
All sales are final, each piece is one-of-a-kind
Please note the shipping, pick-up and in-Paris delivery options at check-out
France, c. 1876–1900
A thoughtfully curated French devotional pairing that brings together two antique objects of prayer from the late nineteenth century: a beautifully preserved Paroissien Romain prayer book and a luminous antique rosary.
The missal is a French edition of the Paroissien Romain, approved by Charles Théodore Colet, Archbishop of Tours, and bears an ecclesiastical approval dated 12 February 1876. Bound in black leather with gilt brass edging, a rounded spine, and an ornate pierced brass clasp, it remains remarkably intact. Inside are richly printed prayers, liturgical texts, and devotional engravings, their softly aged pages carrying the quiet beauty only time can create. A bookseller’s label from Doyen Lefebvre of Frévent, Pas-de-Calais, offers a small glimpse into its early journey through northern France.
Paired with the missal is an antique French rosary composed of luminous cream and pale gray beads, believed to be shell or mother of pearl, suspended from a darkened metal chain. A delicate heart shaped center leads to a translucent crucifix with a finely cast metal corpus, creating a striking contrast between light and shadow. The rosary possesses the gentle warmth and honest patina that only decades of devotion can impart.
Although acquired separately, these two pieces belong naturally together. Their colors, materials, and quiet wear complement one another beautifully, evoking the intimate rhythm of daily prayer in another century. One can easily imagine them resting beside a bedside lamp, tucked into a pilgrim’s satchel, or carried faithfully to Sunday Mass.
Together they are more than two antiques. They become a small devotional world, carefully gathered and preserved for a new steward.
Included
• Antique French Paroissien Romain prayer book
• Black leather binding with gilt brass edging and decorative clasp
• Ecclesiastical approval dated 1876
• Original devotional engravings throughout
• Antique French rosary with luminous cream and pale gray shell or mother of pearl beads
• Heart shaped center and translucent crucifix with metal corpus
Condition
Both pieces display the beautiful signs of age expected of devotional objects that were genuinely used and cherished. The missal retains its original leather binding, brass edging, clasp, and complete text block with age toning throughout. The rosary exhibits an attractive aged patina with gentle wear consistent with its age. Together they remain structurally sound and display beautifully.
Curator’s Note
Some objects seem destined to find one another.
While this missal and rosary did not begin their journeys together, they now tell a shared story. The warm ivory pages echo the soft glow of the beads, the aged brass clasp mirrors the darkened chain, and the translucent crucifix catches the light like a quiet prayer.
It is this conversation between objects that defines The Hidden Reliquary: not simply collecting sacred antiques, but preserving the atmosphere of devotion they once held.
May these companions continue their quiet work for another century.
Important Note
All sales are final, each piece is one-of-a-kind
Please note the shipping, pick-up and in-Paris delivery options at check-out
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