Reliquary theca with relic of Saint James the Less, Apostle of Christ, patron of the dying

An oval crystal-fronted silver pendant reliquary theca housing a precious first-class ex ossibus (of the bone) relic of Saint Andrew the Apostle​. The relic is displayed on the ground of gold silk and identified in Latin on an ornate manuscript cedula label as S. Andreai / Apostoli (Saint Andrew, Apostle). On the back, the reliquary is secured by a perfectly preserved seal of red Spanish wax bearing an imprint with a coat of arms of the Archdiocese of Milan. 

Saint James the Less, also known as James son of Alphaeus, was one of the Twelve Apostles and likely a cousin or close relative of Jesus. He is traditionally the author of the Epistle of James and served as the first bishop of Jerusalem, presiding over the Council of Jerusalem. Known for his holiness as “James the Just,” he was martyred around 62 in Jerusalem by being thrown from the Temple and clubbed to death. He is the patron saint of hatmakers, fullers, pharmacists, and the dying. His feast day is commemorated on May 3.