the front and back with network of white stars within blue medallions with green borders, the roof with cabochons and applied figures (one lacking), the ends with figures of saints, the door at one end, crest finials lacking, the underside with various collection labels including one printed 162 and one written in pencil P.M.896. 

J. Pierpont Morgan, London and New York until 1917

Saint Anselm's College, Manchester, New Hampshire, January 14, 1973

RELATED LITERATURE

M. de Chalvet de Rochemonteix, Les Eglises Romanes de la Haute-Auvergne, Paris, Picard, 1902, pp. 458 and 490, fig. 321.

C. Arminjon et. al., Emaux Limoisins du Moyen Age..., Limousin, 1995

This piece is composite and made up of elements from the 13th and later centuries. Crest finials lacking. Some replaced "gems" throughout; one also cracked and one lacking. The central figure on the roof lacking. The panels of the lower border and legs are replaced with a later, undecorated metal panel. The roof side panels lacking on front and back. The back with left side panel loose. Door hinges replaced. Overall some nails replaced or lacking. Some wear, some losses of enamels.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Compare a châsse in the collection of M. L'abbé Aimé, curé de Bredonn (Rochemonteix, op.cit., fig.321) with very similar enamel decoration including white stars or flowerheads within diamond-shaped reserves formed by cross bands, upon cross-hatch ground. Another example can be found in the Church of Saint-Pantaléon-de-Lapleau, illustrated in C. Arminjon (op.cit., pp. 38 and 29, fig.f).