Probably South German, circa 1590, Reliquary. Photo Sotheby's.

inscribed: F.P.D.A. ANO 90 and SVSPICE CAELVM ET INTVERE ET CONTEMPLA RE AETHERA. IOB. XXXV. on the base and: SECTER ANRARA, STIBUR CIA MAR, S. SVB CIO MAR to the frames around the receptacles; gilt bronze and rock crystal, mounted with rubies; 27cm., 10 5/8 in. Estimation 7,000 — 10,000 GBP

Provenance: Gift from Johannes, Count Moÿ de Sons (1902 - 1995), Schloss Anif, Salzburg

The unusual shape of the present reliquary seems to be inspired by the so-called ‘Türmchenuhren’. The main production centres of the ‘Türmchenuhren’ were Nuremberg and Augsburg. This type of table clock achieved great popularity in the Renaissance era and formed a fixed element of the ‘Kunstkammer’.

Sotheby's. Of Royal and Noble Descent. London | 23 Jan 2014 - www.sothebys.com