Vintage Sterling Silver Last Rites/ Unction

Description

A silver triple container used by Catholic priests to administer the 'Last Rites'. The container is marked
Sterling and there are Latin abbreviations and other engravings on the exterior. Each section screws into
the other, and opens to reveal a gilt-lined compartment. These need to be placed in a particular order so
that they line up correctly. The top one is marked ‘O S’ for Oleum Sanctum,
“Holy Oil”. Made from olive
oil only.
, The middle one ‘S C’ for Sanctum Chrisma, Oil of Thanksgiving
made from olive oil and balsam
(= balm = aromatic gum resin or other fragrant per-fume).
The
lower one 'O I’ for Oleum Infirmorum,
Oil
of the Sick = Oil of Healing. Made from olive oil only and blessed by the Bishop of the diocese
. The base
of this compartment has a mark for Sterling and a possible maker’s mark. Item is nearly 2.5 inches and one inch wide.