19th century vampire killing kit, as found:

Antique reliquary box from a Czech church, said to be the Pilgrimage Church of Saint John of Nepomuk (a World Heritage Site), salvaged from a 1784 fire. Box was taken to Germany and items of religious significance were assembled within it to repel the undead. The artifact was brought to Pennsylvania in the early 20th century and displayed in a glass trophy case at a Bavarian Club, a social club that would hold festivals, keep alive traditions, and provide a gathering place for Bavarian settlers in the new world.

Vampirism in Germanic folklore originates as far back as the Bronze Age, and the region was rife with superstitions of, and precautions against, the Nachzeher, a flesh hungry monster that rises from the grave, these fears culminating in the Expressionist film Nosferatu in 1922.

Contents of the kit include: a wood and scrimshaw crucifix, prayer book inscribed 1889, antler and bone dagger with inlaid cross, St. Peter’s cross with carved lion, bottle of St. Ignatius holy water (a 1920s American addition), small iron hatchet/hammer, hand carved icon of Christ signed by a Czech artist (name we are not able to discern), wooden stake with carved image of Christ on the cross, and bottles of assorted herbs, salt, and holy water.

The reliquary box has a carved image of a cherub and dragon atop, and is likely 18th century, as indicated by the dovetail joints. Hematite rosary beads were also originally included- we were told they were unfortunately stolen in the 1980s and replaced with contemporary beads, which will be included with purchase.

Good condition consistent with age. Signs of wear throughout. Lid carving has losses (cherub’s fingers and dragon’s frill are chipped, and dragon’s neck has a repair). Box has chip on back, several cracks and scratches, and burn damage. Please review photographs. Spine of prayer book is broken. Box, closed, is approximately 10 inches tall, 14 inches long, and 9 1/2 inches wide.