Reliquary theca with relic of Saint Philip, Apostle, Patron of hatters, pastry chefs & bakers

An oval crystal-fronted silver pendant reliquary theca housing a precious first-class ex ossibus (of the bone) relic of Saint Philip the Apostle​. The relic is displayed on the ground of gold silk and identified in Latin on an ornate manuscript cedula label as S. Philippi / Apostoli (Saint Philip, 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 Philip the Apostle, from Bethsaida in Galilee and possibly a former disciple of John the Baptist, was one of Jesus’ Twelve Apostles. Jesus called him directly, and Philip introduced Nathanael (Bartholomew) to Christ. He featured prominently in the Gospel of John, including at the feeding of the five thousand and when he asked Jesus to show the Father. Tradition says he preached in Greece, Phrygia, and Syria before being martyred by crucifixion (upside down) and stoning in Hierapolis around 80. He is the patron saint of hatters, pastry chefs, and bakers. His feast day is commemorated May 3 (shared with St. James the Less).