Vintage Ricordo di Roma Brass Book Rosary Box | Pope Portrait & IHS Sunburst | Hinged Miniature Book | Rome Pilgrim Souvenir | Mid-Century Italy

A whole pilgrimage to Rome, tucked into a book small enough to fit in your palm.

This is a vintage brass rosary box shaped like a tiny closed book, made as a souvenir for visitors to Rome. The front reads Ricordo di Roma, Italian for "souvenir of Rome."

Vintage Ricordo di Roma Brass Book Rosary Box

The front cover shows a pope's portrait in an ornate frame under the papal tiara, with four little Roman landmark scenes in the corners. The back carries the IHS Christogram inside a radiant sunburst, framed by scrolls in each corner. The "pages" are cast with fine lines and a gilt finish, the spine has raised bands just like a real old book, and the cover opens on a working hinge to a small compartment inside.

Little hinged metal boxes like this were sold to pilgrims in Rome, often with a rosary tucked inside, and they were treasured keepsakes brought home to family. The pope's name is worn and can't be read, so we've left it unidentified.

• Material: Brass-tone metal with gilt finish
• Origin: Italy, Rome souvenir
• Design: Pope portrait with papal tiara and Roman landmarks on the front, IHS sunburst on the back, banded spine and gilt page edges
• Closure: Hinged lid
• Size: About 2 1/4 x 1 3/4 inches
• Era: Mid-20th century
• Condition: Good vintage condition with a darkened, aged patina and wear to the gilt on the raised areas. There is a small light-colored spot just below the portrait frame. The hinge opens and closes. No rosary included. Please see photos.

A lovely keepsake for a rosary, a medal, a tiny prayer card or a lock of hair, and a thoughtful gift for anyone who has been to Rome or collects religious antiques.

Styling props shown in photos are not included.