Antique French Miniature Pocket Shrine, Our Lady good of Lourdes Statuette In Travel Box.

Small Antique French pocket shrine, statuette of " Our Lady of Lourdes", in its original tube shaped metal souvenir box from Lourdes. Also referred to in France as porta saints. An image on the tube of the famous scene of Our Lady of Lourdes, and Saint Bernadette Soubirous , during the appearances in the year 1858, in the grotto of Lourdes. Showing wear commensurate with age. The tube closes tightly and is not damaged.
Made Circa late 1800's to early 1900's.

Height - 1" or 2.5cm
Width - 3/8" or 9mm
7.24 gram

These small pocket shrines were often carried by soldiers during war, or by travellers, sometimes sewn in the seam of their clothes, to keep them safe and help them during their prayers.
These shrine statuettes are often called "Les Vierges de Poilu" in France, which refers to the first world war soldiers ( 1914-1918) , who brought them with them. Today they make great collectables, and some people still carry them.
This one in particular, is a souvenir from Lourdes, a famous Pilgrim place ( not far from where I live ), since the appearances of Our Lady of Lourdes, in the Grotto of Lourdes, in the year 1858 .
In good vintage condition, with age appropriate signs of wear and use, this box have obviously been moving around ! It has a nice and natural patina.

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