the front set with glass cabochons and enamelled plaques with symbols of the evangelists, centered by a figure of Christ, on stippled ground, the reverse centered by a square enamelled plaque with Christ in blessing, the terminals covered in gilt copper repoussé with flowerheads, with red paint Morgan number P.M.823 on the reverse of the lower terminal.  Some replacement metal on reverse.

J. Pierpont Morgan, London and New York until 1917

Saint Anselm's Colleg𓂃e, Manchester,⛄ New Hampshire, January 14, 1973

Austin Texas University Art Museum, 1982-1988

RELATED LITERATURE

W. Stohlman, 'The Star Group  of Champlevé Enamels and its Connections," in Art Bulletin, XXXII, 1950, pp.327-30.

Overall wear and losses. Losses to enameling (particularly throughout panels on the front of the cross and some areas on his perizonium). Some "gems" replaced and/or broken. Some losses to gilt copper sheets covering the wood core. The reverse with replaced metal on two terminals and on arms of cross; with two enameled plaques extant. Copper sheet along sides, covering the wood core, is lacking. Corpus with lovely stippling and detail.
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.

Stohlman (op.cit.) attempted to group  particular types of Limoges works, based on their decorative motifs,  as a means of determining their specific dates and origins. This group is called 'the star group' of enamels and is characterized by appliqué figures on a metal ground, worked 👍with stars and caꦿbochons. Another, fine, example of work from this group can be found in a châsse in The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, formerly in the collection of Germain Seligman.